The Pace of Change

A wise professor once shared with me a quirky rule of thumb for managing change in a congregation: the pace of change should be slow enough that the younger and move progressive members are a little bit restless, and fast enough that the older and more traditional members are a little bit uneasy. It sounded as if he were saying (and he was) that if almost everybody was just a little bit unhappy, then you've hit it just about right.

Seven years have now passed since I began preaching at BCC. Considering that through most of the church's history student pastors have filled the pulpit, seven years is quite a long time for us. (If I have my history straight, it is the longest any one pastor has served.) While I wish to claim neither credit nor blame for the changes that have come our way during my stay, there is much that is different here from when I started. A prolonged glance at the memorial plaque on the back wall of the sanctuary reminds me regularly that much of the change has been ushered in by grief and loss. A brief stop at the nursery door on my way in each Sunday morning responds that much change has also come through new life and new birth. Efforts to keep in touch with young adults who were rambunctious youth just yesterday (or was it the day before?) condition me to expect change, even when I have no idea what form that change will take.

Although I lack the objectivity to offer details, I recognize also that I have changed. Gerald reminds me frequently (with that familiar smile on his face) than older does not guarantee wiser, but I sense nonetheless that I am both. Being involved with this congregation has afforded me not only many fine mentors and valued voices of encouragement, but also challenging circumstances and engaging opportunities to stretch and grow, both personally and professionally. This place has been good for me.

I have no doubt that more change is on it's way. Some of it will be by design and determination, some by chance and circumstance. One change which I intend to champion is an adjustment in my communication pattern. I intend to write articles for the newsletters; I intend to lead discussions among the Cabinet (committee leaders) at least quarterly; I intend to meet with elders (perhaps as much as quarterly); I intend to stay in touch and stay available by phone, email, text message, MySpace, FaceBook, and BlogSpot. If you want to stay in touch with me, I intend to meet you more than half-way.

I am old enough to realize that my intentions do not always result in actions, and that my efforts do not always prove fruitful. Chance and circumstance may overwhelm and redirect my energies at any moment. Nevertheless, intentionality is a significant component of constructive change, so I thought I would take this opportunity to make my intentions known. I intend to continue to grow with you.

Feel free to hold me to it.

-- Brother Tom