He is one of the most widely read authors on church growth. His books are required seminary reading. And he leads one of the most sought-after church leadership development institutes. Aubrey Malphurs, professor of pastoral ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary, will be the keynote speaker at the Affecting Change Conference May 13 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The conference will focus on creating a culture in South Carolina churches that is not afraid of change or trying new initiatives. The name of the conference, which denotes a heart-centered response by using the term “affecting,” indicates the principles to be discussed.
Aubrey MalphursIn a recent interview, Malphurs talked about leadership in churches and the fear that is often associated with change.
The Malphurs Group works with churches/organizations that are often seeking to develop strategic vision. What are some of the major challenges for churches wanting to be more effective in the 21st century?
Malphurs: There are several. One is that many church leaders simply don’t know how to lead their churches to change. Another is a group of people in the church who are “never adopters” and who refuse to even consider change. This wouldn’t be so bad, except that they can be very mean people who make the life of the church’s leadership very difficult.
Why is there a fear of change in churches?
Malphurs: Change affects us emotionally. It scares us. It means that we’re not in control of our future, and that’s very unsettling.
What are the implications?
Malphurs: We fight change for all we’re worth, and fight those who try to bring change to our churches.
How can conventional churches better embrace a change in vision, certainly as a response to God moving in the church to do so?
Malphurs: They need to understand that change, or better transformation, is at the very heart of Christianity. If I’m the same person spiritually this year as last year, then something is wrong. Actually, change can be very good for us spiritually. Trying something new and different, though uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first, can breathe life back into our worship. If only we can be patient long enough to give it a chance.
What role does culture play in developing a ministry strategy for the 21st century?
Malphurs: A big part of strategizing for change is understanding one’s culture. For example, a church’s core values are a big part of its culture. Once you decode its ministry core values, you’ll know everything about the church, what it’s doing well and not so well.
The Affecting Change Conference will feature discussion led by Malphurs, as well as smaller group brainstorming and discussion time. Registration is $15. The first 500 to register will receive Malphurs’ book, “Pouring New Wine into Old Wineskins.” For more information or to register, log on to www.scbaptist.org or call (800) 723-7242.