Number Seven – Fear towards Change and Displaying Risk Paralysis

New churches love taking risks because they are new and everything is a risk! You do not launch a church from nothing unless you are a risk taker. Yet young churches that have been around for periods longer than twelve years have often become entrenched a little.  Still even older churches that are twenty years old or more have a fear that develops mostly out of comfort and contentment with previous state of affairs in the church. These churches are often challenged when it comes to renewal and revitalization.  Why is this? Simply stated, people of habit and churches of habit, do not respond well to change and often have problems seeing a new or possible reality.  Usually it is the catalytic leader types who thrive on change while the rest who are locked into a comfortable consolation are struggling to various degrees towards change. Churches of habit cannot see other possibilities. Change often frightens people. People do not relax well in the midst of change.  It makes them anxious.  Realize you are trapped in a routine. Become aware of what you have tried in the past that has not worked. Become willing to let go of what has not worked while honoring previous attempts.