You may have heard or read the phrase, “It is time to shift.” It’s a common statement these days, especially in light of how much the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our world. For the church, the pandemic forced us out of our comfort zones and into unfamiliar spaces. This wasn’t a bad thing—in fact, I believe it was a good thing. Why? Because growth often requires us to step beyond the familiar and learn something new. COVID-19 has pushed us to do just that.
Another word you’ve likely heard is pivot. Over the past few years, I’ve listened to several lectures emphasizing this concept. Both shifting and pivoting capture a simple yet profound truth: It’s time to change. But change, especially within the church, isn’t just about embracing new tools or trends; it’s about aligning with God’s purpose in fresh and transformative ways.
The Church in a Changing World
Change is constant. Organizations across every industry must adapt to survive and thrive in an ever-evolving world. The church is no different. Technological advancements have radically altered how we communicate and connect. There was a time when meaningful dialogue primarily happened face-to-face, but now platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become the primary channels of communication. These platforms connect us to the world in ways once unimaginable. In mere seconds, we can see events unfolding across the globe.
While technology has created incredible opportunities, it has also led to fragmented relationships and shallow interactions. Yet, the reality remains: the world has changed, and so have the ways people engage with one another. As a result, the church is challenged to shift—not just by adopting technology to spread the Gospel, but by reevaluating how we fulfill our mission in this new reality.
It’s time to change. But change, especially within the church, isn’t just about embracing new tools or trends; it’s about aligning with God’s purpose in fresh and transformative ways.
Embracing Change as God’s People
Organizations thrive on change. They plan, strategize, and prepare for it. The church, as both an organization and the living body of Christ, must do the same. More importantly, we must remember that God is in the business of transformation. Scripture reminds us that the church is not merely an organization; it is God’s representative on earth. The church is described as:
- The pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15)
- The body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27)
- God’s flock (John 10:14-16)
- God’s family (Ephesians 2:19)
Through this church, God seeks to change the world. But how can we change the world if we resist change ourselves? The first step in making the shift is changing our mindset.
Shifting Our Perspective
In Numbers 13, we find a powerful example of how mindset affects outcomes. God instructed Moses to send twelve leaders to spy out the land of Canaan. Despite the land being rich and fruitful, ten spies returned with a negative report, saying, “We seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them” (Numbers 13:33, ESV). Their fear and lack of faith infected the entire congregation, robbing them of the confidence needed to claim the promise God had given them.
This story is a sobering reminder of how a deficient mindset can derail God’s purposes. The Israelites had access to God’s mighty power, but their self-perception as “grasshoppers” rendered them powerless. In contrast, the apostle Paul reminds us to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2, ESV). God wants to change how we think about ourselves, our challenges, and His power working within us.
The church is not a building or an institution—it’s people. And when God changes people, He uses them to transform the world. This constant cycle of change is at the heart of God’s work. The question is, will we embrace the shift, or will we see ourselves as the opposition sees us? Will we step into the promises of God, or will we shrink back in fear?
The Call to Change
The shift is on, and the time is now. Imagine what God could accomplish through us if we stopped viewing our obstacles as giants and ourselves as grasshoppers. God has given us His Spirit, His Word, and His promises. It’s time to change for the better, improve, and become the kind of people who transform everything around us because God loves us and lives within us.
As we embrace change, let us remain grounded in God’s unchanging truth while moving boldly into the future He has prepared for us. The world is waiting, and the shift is now. Will you answer the call?
Reflection Questions
- What areas of your life or ministry might God be calling you to shift your mindset or approach?
- How can the church embrace change without compromising its mission and identity?
- In what ways can you personally contribute to the church’s mission of transformation in an ever-changing world?
