It didn't matter that many had been shoved aside. And it didn't matter that people were leaving this place in large numbers every week. What mattered was maintaining the status quo. After all, it had worked this way for more than twelve years. 'Leave it alone,' was the message I received, loud and clear.
Just because you've done it that way for a long time does not mean it is good. Nor does it mean that it continues to work that way. With a few of those faithful leaders we began to make changes. Nothing drastic or dramatic; subtle, small changes. But in an environment like this, even small changes can cause big ripples. Those who have been in charge of this drama become shaken and insecure when even the smallest things change. They feel pushed .... and they push back.
No amount of conversation, no amount of mediation can help those that do not want to change, but the reality is that for an institution to remain viable and healthy, change must always be part of the plan. In the past few weeks, these shaken leaders have begun to make some changes themselves, but I wonder if it is too little, too late. Those visionaries from a year ago have moved on and it may well be that those who have struggled with all of this may be forced to find a comfort zone elsewhere.
We'll have some answers in the next few weeks. It is possible that those that held a vision may be disappointed and the changes may be fewer than expected. It is just as possible that the work these visionaries have spent so much time on is about to bear fruit. Either way, there is much more work to be done. Isn't that always the case?
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
