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Pat’s Playbook: Shift the focus

October 25, 2019 By Pat Pajak

Question: There’s change coming to our church, and while it doesn’t affect me directly, I find I’m not handling it well. Do you have any spiritual advice?

Answer: The key to accepting change is often to put aside our own preferences and focus on the real reason for the change. Churches often make changes to improve a particular situation or to stay current with the times. Be sure your resistance isn’t based on simply being comfortable with the status quo. Discuss your opinion with your pastor and listen carefully to the explanation as to why any change is being made.

Question: I’m supposed to graduate up to an older class, but the teacher is really boring. After 30 years, she’s going nowhere. Should I try to stay with a group that’s younger than me, volunteer for the nursery, or just stay home? 

Answer: May I offer one additional suggestion? Start a new class! While you might find a teacher boring, after 30 years, there are obviously others who enjoy her teaching style.

Rather than cause dissention (1 Corinthians 12:25), why not consider launching a new unit and inviting others to help you grow a successful class. Work with your pastor or Sunday school director to target an age group, find an empty room, and turn your concern into a class.

Pat Pajak is IBSA’s associate executive director for evangelism.

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