Why Crisis and Change are Our Friends

Crisis, in all its forms, is a catalyst for refinement, development and growth. From the nuances of child development to the intricacies of organizational and technological development, we can see the impact of crisis as it shapes the forward motion of individuals, organizations and humanity as a whole. It would be fair to conclude that in life and leadership, very little of significance is born or shaped without crisis. If we were to pause and consider the great advancements of the last two hundred years we would discover a direct correlation between crisis and human advancement. Steam power, electricity, radio, television, flight, medical treatments, indoor plumbing, computers, telephones, cell phones, Wi-Fi, industrial advances – each of these were catalyzed by a crisis, whether personal or organizational, that provided the passion and motivation for advance. What we witness more broadly in culture is similarly borne out in our churches. Crisis breeds action and, when fully and appropriately nurtured, action yields advancement. This has been a year of crisis in large and small ways for most of us. How are you using the journey of this last year to grow as a leader? What crisis (big or small) in your church is happening right now that may be an opportunity for a completely new way to do ministry in your town? It is not necessary, or even helpful, to continue doing what we have always done. What if this past year is an opportunity God created for us to rethink how we do ministry so we can advance the Kingdom in ways we never thought of before? Are you one of the leaders who is going to help us create the next wave of impact? If you have a moment, share some of your new ideas of how Kingdom Impact will happen in the next 30 years in the comments below. Let’s use this moment as an opportunity to dream together.

Dan Scarrow

District Superintendent
North Central District of The C&MA