I often say that if it’s 72 and sunny, I’m happy. Yet the truth is, I appreciate the change of seasons—not only for the natural beauty each brings, but because I grew up in an agrarian culture and understand how each season benefits the next.
As Ecclesiastes reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Each season in creation—and in our lives—has its own purpose and gift.
Change often gets a bad rap. Most of us prefer the stability of a regular rhythm. Yet, as creation shows us, growth happens through the seasons of change.
From my own experience, and from walking with many individuals and groups in times of transition, I’ve learned that it’s rarely change itself that poses the greatest challenge, but rather how the change comes about.
I learned a great deal about navigating change from my friend, colleague, and liturgical theologian, the late Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold. When approached about making changes to worship, he would always respond with two questions:
• Do you know the history and theology of what you want to change?
• What is the theology that undergirds the change you are proposing?
What I deeply appreciated about Frank’s approach was the intentionality he brought to change. His conviction was that any change should be prayerful, theological, thoughtful, and relational.
• Prayer grounds all things in a container of faithfulness — “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
• Theological reflection provides a lens of scripture, tradition, and reason — “Faith seeking understanding.” — Anselm of Canterbury
• Thoughtfulness ensures a process that is thorough rather than reactive — “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” — Augustine of Hippo
• Being relational creates space for collaboration and creativity — “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
What I have come to learn, working with a myriad of leaders and their organizations facing change, is that those who bring this level of intentionality experience helpful, healthy growth—rooted, reflective, rigorous, and relational.
Just as the seasons turn and the earth renews itself, faithful change invites us to trust God’s ongoing work of transformation. When grounded in prayer, reflection, rigor, and relationship, change becomes not something to resist but a sacred invitation to grow.
BP