One of the most remarkable transformations of a large organization in history may be what has taken place in the U.S. military over the last two decades. This is not just a matter of modernization, but to develop a culture that is so creative and open to innovation, new ideas, and strategies, as well as developing and implementing them into operation. The U.S. Military has developed this remarkable culture while honoring the great traditions and necessary disciplines required to manage such a large organization. What the military has done culturally is hard for a small church to do that is still young, but for an organization of millions, with a 250-year history, this is nothing short of astonishing. This should be particularly interesting to us because a similar transformation is coming to the church, and many will come in the same ways that they came to our military.
The transformation of the military was not easy, as transformation rarely is for even a single person, much less something of its magnitude. Even so, if we understand it so that we work with what God is doing, it will be much easier than it would be otherwise, because like it or not, transformation is coming. Resisting the changes will only make them more painful, and in some cases fatal for those who refuse to make them. Indeed, we are seeing a huge part of the church that is married more to the past than the present simply fading away.
There were times when the U.S. military was mired in quite the same attitude, resistant to change, looking back more than forward. In fact, it was probably as resistant to change as much of the church is today. We should have hope for those that remain—they can still make the changes that will not only allow them to survive, but thrive. It should also give us hope that any other large institution, including the most calcified governments or government agencies, can be transformed.
How did the military do this? Leadership.
A remarkable leadership arose that knew radical change had to come, and they were willing to fight for it. This took great courage and endurance and the willingness to risk promotions or even their careers. Many paid the price of being forced out of the service. However, their sacrifice was not in vain and what had to be done was accomplished. They have fruit that remains. The church is now in desperate need of just such a leadership to bring about the same kind of transformation, and they are emerging.
There are many going through the same challenges in the church right now that the visionary leadership in the military did when seeking to bring transformation. If they would just be quiet and tow the party line of their movements and denominations, it would be much easier for them. Others are independents who are fighting the same forces within their own congregations where they are threatened with losing people or their ministry. Many members have been forced out of their congregations for standing for change, which can be very hard. If we really love our churches, we will be willing to risk this to stand for change.
Change is hard, and it almost always takes a great deal of sacrifice on the part of many people. Even so, when any entity stops being able to change, it starts dying. We are fighting for life when we fight for the ability of the church to embrace change.
Many cave into the pressure and give into the resistance to change, but there will be others who will not. If they remain faithful, their fruit will be great because change is coming. The church is going to become the most creative, innovative, and open to change and the new wine of the Spirit, which will enable it to become the most dynamic and powerful force on earth.
Since the first century, much of the church has tried to build in a way that is actually opposite of the way the Lord did it, which is by trying to build on organization rather than on people. This is not only contrary to the way that the Lord did it, but it is doomed to failure. The best form of government will still be bad government if we do not have good people in it. Likewise, we can have a bad form of government but have good government if there are good people in it. This is why the Lord does not build on forms, but people. Will Durant was a secular historian, but he had great insight to see when he stated, “Caesar tried to change men by changing institutions, but Jesus changed institutions by changing men.”
Having good organizations or good forms of government is better than not having them. They are worth making some effort to have them, but we must guard against letting our devotion to the organization or form of government eclipse our devotion to building people or we will fail at what we are called to do, regardless of how good our organization is and how long it lasts. Some great organizations are still running like machines but are no longer promoting truth and life.
The organization itself is not, nor will it ever be, the main element of good government or organization. Even so, having good ones can help good leaders lead more effectively and help good managers have an easier time managing. They may also help cover some of the shortcomings of bad or immature leaders and managers. Good leaders and managers will be able to overcome poor organization or government easier than a good organization or government can overcome poor leaders or managers.
A bold, courageous new leadership is arising that is going to be used to bring radical change. They will be resisted and persecuted, especially by those whose leadership is threatened, but change will prevail. The biggest change that the church needs is a change of leadership, and that is what we are about to get. Why not be a part of it?