| The Church Coach specializes in the transformation process of faith based organizations.
THE PARADOXICAL THEORY OF CHANGE
q The paradoxical theory of change claims that “change occurs when one becomes what one is, not when one tries to be what one is not”; it pushes us not to change our nature but to become our nature, and by doing so, we change.
q Change does not occur through coercion, persuasion or effort to be something else; it depends upon the full although temporary, acceptance of the status quo.
q When one is involved in a conscious and chosen change effort, resistance must be expected and paradoxically, supported; whether resistance is a positive or negative factor depends on whether it is consciously perceived or not.
A THEOLOGY OF CHURCH GROWTH FROM EPHESIANS
q God is at work to carry out his redemptive plan in line with his eternal purpose. (1:11) God acts with power in behalf of, and with believers. (1:19) God’s power is made known primarily in his acts of mercy toward humankind. (2:4)
q Our calling is a result of God’s grace being exercised in our life. (3:7) Our new life in Christ is a visible demonstration of the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose. (2:10)
q Our life in Christ is being created now continually by the power of the Spirit is on a course of action. (4:17) Love is the distinguishing characteristic of the new life and is itself the path on which we walk. (5:1)
q In contrast to false teaching, which is destructive, God’s truth is to be spoken in love. (4:15) The center of truth is Jesus. (4:21) The Truth of God is a weapon in the Christian’s struggle against God’s enemies. (6:14)
q The church is now in a process of “arriving” (4:3) and thus always growing. (4:15) The highest expression of love is to speak the truth of Christ’s love to fellow members of His body. When this happens the body grows “in love”. (4:15-16)
q Christ’s self-giving love for His church ought to become the model for all human systems. (5:22-33)
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