Stages of Change and Church Ministry
James Prochaska’s “stages of change,” drawn from research on how smokers quit, can also help churches and ministry organizations understand why change stalls and what progress requires. The stages move from denial and “someday” intentions to concrete plans, action, and long-term commitment.
- Change won’t happen while a church remains in denial or refuses to engage the need.
- Good intentions alone can keep a church stuck in “someday” for years.
- Maintenance requires a firm commitment and continual vision-casting to avoid relapse.
By Kent E. Fillinger
James Prochaska, a psychologist at the University of Rhode Island, studied how smokers quit the habit. The “stages of change” he observed can apply to a church or ministry organization as well:
The Stages of Change
Stage 1: Precontemplation: This covers the state of denial mentioned in path one in the accompanying article. Change won’t happen if a church remains at this stage.
Stage 2: Contemplation: This is where most churches start and stop in the change process. Changes are considered as an option “someday,” and a sense of pride and righteousness culminates simply from the good intentions to change. A church can remain in this stage for years.
Stage 3: Preparation: During this stage, specific plans are made, goals are set, and time lines are attached to each so that the changes can begin “soon.” Prochaska noted that “85 percent of people who need to change their behavior for health reasons never get to this stage or progress beyond it.”
Stage 4: Action: This stage will create some emotional anxiety both individually and corporately for the church as change is introduced and enacted “now.” Initially, some awkwardness and discomfort is to be expected. Adjustments will be required, but when this stage is reached, results will be evident.
Stage 5: Maintenance: At this stage relapse is a danger. Even though changes have been implemented, the old ministry ruts are still in the road. It will be easy for some to slide back into the former ways of doing ministry. A firm commitment to make change part of the “forever” fabric of the church and its ministry will encourage the new methods being employed. It is essential to continually and creatively recast the vision and purpose for the new ministry practices.
(Dr. Prochaska’s work was feature in the May 2005 issue of Fast Company.)
Author: Kent E. Fillinger
Kent E. Fillinger serves as president of 3:STRANDS Consulting, Indianapolis, Indiana, and regional vice president (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan) with Christian Financial Resources.
