5.1 Governance Structure of ACOP

[Anna]

Local church governance structure can become the white elephant in the room, especially if it has not been changed in a long time. Change in and of itself is difficult to navigate due to the unforseen repercussions it can bring. People get attached to a way of doing things making change more difficult. It is impossible to plan and think of every possible outcome and problem that could possibly occur in a change of structure. Change is also uncomfortable it usually pushes people out of their comfort zones because a lot of people within the church do not know how to manage change. Another possible reason change can be difficult is pride. The church could be proud of its structure for any number of reasons and, though it is not helping them move forward with their vision of mission, it might be well organized, or it might be safe and comfortable, or is just how things have always been done.

It is very important, therefore, when establishing structures to make sure that everyone knows that it can and probably will change. For every new person who comes into leadership or would be important to remind everyone that the structure is our servant and if it is not working then it needs to change.

[Zach]

Sometimes leaders are reticent to make changes to the governance structure that is no longer serving the church for a host of reasons; tradition, upsetting people, fear that new system will fail, criticism, fear of losing control. There are obvious examples of selfish and controlling reasons to not change the structure, but often the reasons cited are not bad, they just need to be thought through and addressed. If you can cast a compelling vision, share reasons why, be clear about challenges, and address not ignore issues with the change, it is not guaranteed to succeed but you may have a better chance at making these changes and having the support needed after the change to follow through and see it succeed. Change in itself is no good if there is no buy-in to operate well within the changes.

[Afraz]

Change can be very difficult for some of us to embrace, especially when it take us out of our comfort zone. Change, not knowing, doubts and the what if kinds of questions.

To embrace change is to embrace the future.

[Alissa Carlton]

People are often afraid of the unknown, which is why change can be so difficult within any setting, but I feel as though churches fall victim to this even more as there is a spirit of wanting to honour what has existed before. When change comes it can feel as though the old ways are being thrown out with little respect for the years that it did serve the group well, so in transition it is important to hear the voices of those with hesitancies and find a way forward together