Do you really want to lead change in your church? If so, you have to be a clear example for change yourself. Whether you are a pastor, elder, staff person, or lay leader, you can’t lead change without embodying change.

Let me give you a clear example.

I was leading a coaching group of twelve church leaders, eight of whom were lead pastors. All of them were in churches that were inwardly focused. I gave the group one external assignment. I asked them to be intentional each week about inviting someone to church or sharing the gospel of Christ with them. They were to be accountable to me via a brief e-mail each week.

The results surprised me, really surprised me. At the end of one year, ten of the twelve churches had begun to grow. All of the eight churches where the pastor made the commitment were growing.

Did you get that?

God used one person, a key leader, in ten churches, to be his instrument for revitalization.

Turnaround begins with you.

Outward focus begins with you.

Revitalization begins with you.

Or allow me to be biblically precise. In each of these churches God used one person as his instrument for turnaround.

What can you do as a leader to become more outwardly focused in your church? Are you willing to be accountable to someone for that Great Commission behavior?

Many times change leadership is just that basic.

Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church by Thom S. Rainer