by Sam Brock

“We’re gonna have to make some changes.” If I had a nickel for every time I have heard this phrase, I would be on the Forbes list of billionaires. Change is constantly happening! As a boy, I used to collect the 1976 bi-centennial quarters because they were different. Now when I look at a quarter, I have no idea what is going to be on the other side. The flip side of the change coin is not always the same. The change coin just has two different backsides—one is shrink, and the other is grow.

Change Because of Growth

Because growth is usually perceived as a good thing, this is the change that is easiest. However, because growth is happening, it is causing a strain on areas that makes the change a welcome relief. A few things should be kept in mind when change is happening because of growth.

▪ Growth in one area may cause shrink in another. This is common when you add another desk and work area to your team. It is wonderful to have the extra help, but it is hard to give up the space needed to do work.

▪ Growth should never be the ultimate goal but rather just a side benefit of doing your mission.

▪ Growth is not something that you decided to do or even have any say as to the rate in which it happens. Do not take the credit for growth: give all the glory to God.

Change Because of Shrink 

Because shrinking is normally thought of as failing, this is the change that is hardest. Once again, shrink can cause unwanted growth in other areas. Consider the following things:

▪ You were in your prime sometime between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. After that, you are dealing with the change of  shrinking. You will get tired faster, forget more, and generally not be able to keep up with the young ones. Some of us work really hard at deceiving ourselves into thinking that we can stay at the top of the hill for a long time. Whether you realize it or not, you are shrinking.

▪ If you do not change because you are shrinking, you put at risk the entire ministry. Making little adjustments is necessary to accommodate shrinking, whether personal or ministry. A perfect example is a ministry that continues to operate in the hole and adds a little more debt each year. Instead of making the very hard change of shrink, they try to maintain the status quo. You may have to let someone go, shrink a budget, or stop doing something you have done for years. It is better to make the change now instead of waiting to try to make up for years of not changing.

▪ God often uses a shrink in ability or resources to redirect our focus. Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, and 31 show us that God wants us to praise Him for His goodness and His wonderful works. In the verses preceding each of those statements, we see God shrinking men to get their attention. Verses 33 through 43 show change that is because of growth and change that is because of shrink. Through it all, verse 43 states that a wise man will see it and understand the loving kindness of the Lord.