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 “The future will not look like the past,
but the future is bright.”   

I have been invited to purchase two books by John Kotter and Dan Cohen: “The Heart of Change,” and “The Heart of Change Field Guide.”  The 2nd title seems to suggest that the 1st book will inspire action!

I think I will be buying both books. They say it is never too late to change!          

I quote from the inviting newsletter, “John Kotter describes the critical elements involved in making big changes. It is tempting to initiate change by giving people facts and figures, but Kotter urges leaders to choose a different path. The key is to use ‘compelling, eye-catching, dramatic situations … to help others visualize problems, solutions, and progress. The key is not to manipulate but to convince.’”

How often have we heard “we need to change?”   The question is, what needs to be changed?

Change for any organization with a long history, like churches, is not simple.

The historical, vested interest of “memory over many generations” is well established. Not only are these established interests at the national, or world level, but also at the local parish, or congregation level.   Often, I believe, it is the established interest at the local level of either “people vote with their feet or wallet” or “we experience new congregations formed in the community.”        

We have all attended (well-intended) presentations about change, advertised as “a new program coming soon to you!”

These presentations often come with data, spreadsheets, and charts.   Kotter suggests that the most important thing for leaders to figure out is how they will help people see new possibilities.        

The Anglican Journal recently showed two interesting (to me) headlines: “National Office Mulls Over Move-In with United Church of Canada,” and “New Commission to Explore ‘Creative’ Ideas for Church.”

However, neither article, in my opinion, provided help to the “person-in-the-pew” to see new possibilities.          

Bishop Anna has said, “The future will not look like the past, but the future is bright.” 

I, for one, want to see the “new possibilities presenting a bright future!”  

Respectfully in Christ,
Archdeacon Brian+