Change is never easy, but it is a definite reality of life we all experience. In fact, I had a friend recently tell me, “Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.” While the latter part of this statement is humorous, the former part is an important fact. Given this, we know change is something we’ll all have to deal with; but, how we choose to deal with change is the real difference-maker.
I often refer to Church Management Software as the core operating system for the ministries of any church. So is it any secret that fear can creep in when church leadership decides it’s time to change a core part of how the church operates from a previous vendor to Fellowship One? Fear of change is a normal reaction, but it is possible to overcome fear and effectively begin change that everyone can benefit from - especially if they can have "early wins".
"Early wins" help church staff overcome the fear of change. Simply stated, these are the places leaders can validate the decision to change and build the necessary momentum that serves as the launch pad for positive, sustainable impact.
An example of this would be the ability to offer the congregation a place to take advantage of self-service transactions available through Fellowship One:
• Registering for an event
• Online giving
• Completing a volunteer application
• Managing a small group
• Submitting a prayer request
For every keystroke congregants make for themselves, it’s one less keystroke a staff member has to make. That’s an early win for staff! Plus, since the flexibility is in the hands of the congregant, their interaction with the church should increase. That’s win-win situation; the congregant enjoys the convenience and the church staff benefits from the efficiency.
In the example given above, the change was made easier and is clearly a benefit to the church. This is important because it sends an investment-themed message to the congregation, layered with reciprocity: the church invests in ways to enhance the congregation’s experience and the congregation invests in themselves and the church to more tightly embrace the ministries of the church.
Making change is made easier when it starts with an “early win.”
About Jeff Pelletier: Jeff is the Vice President of Sales at Fellowship Technologies, is actively involved in leadership with his church and serves on a board of his city council.