By Connie Goodbread

Laying a foundation for change

Human systems function best when there are certain things we can depend on and certain things that are open to evolution and change. Systems can be too orderly, which leads to an oppressive atmosphere. Systems can be too disorderly, unable to function at a high level, unable to fulfill their full potential.

As the world turns, so do you. When you change for the good, you change the world too.
Wings of Change

Stability and innovation are a polarity that must coexist and be in balance for change to be possible. If the stability is not there, if there is no solid foundation for us to stand upon and then build upon, no amount of creative thinking or actions can bring about real change.

What are the foundations we must lay before we can begin to build the truly beloved community?

Who are we?
What are our values?
How will we be together?
What is our vision?
Who and what do we serve?

Creativity and openness to new ideas and a deep understanding of our fears will help us to answer these questions.

Do members feel safe, honored, in the know, well informed and part of the vision? Or does leadership act as gatekeepers barring the way of new leadership and new ideas? Is fear far too often driving the bus? Are we too concerned with keeping things clubby and just the way we like it to serve any higher purpose? This often happens out of a sense of defending the holy ground. Understand me – much of what we do that is unproductive, unhealthy and detrimental, is done for the noblest of reasons and with the best of intentions. However, these good intentions may keep our congregations from being all that they could and should be.

Is new information sought out, considered for its usefulness with care but fearlessly? How is it put to use? Are changes accepted and well thought out? I am not talking about change for change’s sake. That is unhealthy too. I am talking about the congregation being open to and capable of processing innovative ideas and using them to make needed changes for the good.

Death is rigid; life is fluid.