Are you called to lead renewal in a long-established congregation? Don't be too hasty in answering this question. Leading renewal in an older congregation is demanding work, often unappreciated. Some who begin the work abandon it, leaving the congregation worse off than before.

Before leading your congregation into the thick soup of transformation, take some time to reflect on these statements:

1. I make time regularly to listen to and speak with God because I rely on God's wisdom and guidance.

2. I am open to whatever personal changes I will have to make to be God's leader in this process - even deep changes.

3. I am willing to plant seeds in my congregation's soil - seeds from which clear vision will grow.

4. I am sensitive to the concerns of other people, but not controlled by their opinions of me.

5. I understand that there will be obstacles to renewal, and I am prepared to address them in a positive manner.

This list is adapted from Leading Congregational Change: A Practical Guide for the Transformational Journey (San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2000), p. 33. Authors Jim Herrington, Mike Bonem, and James Furr say, "Personal preparation is an essential first step for the change process."

Jesus devoted 40 days to prayer and fasting in the wilderness before launching his public ministry. (Matthew 4:1-11) He was tested. If you begin to lead renewal in an older congregation, you will be tested too. Be secure in your relationship with Christ, and in your calling to lead renewal. Only the called will be committed.