Champions Fax Archive

Part of the change agent's responsibility is to read the culture of an organization and determine whether to pursue large-scale change or incremental change strategies. The difference is analogous to rebuilding an engine versus merely doing a tune-up.

Incremental change should be the first choice of the change agent. It is almost always easier than large-scale change as illustrated by the following contrasts:

In addition, power issues grow in proportion to the amount of change sought. Incremental change tends to preserve existing power structures. Large-scale change often involves dissolving or restructuring power groups.

One critical criterion for large-scale change is a compelling mandate for change. Another critical criterion is a leader, or leaders, with insider status, who will drive the change effort and generate a critical mass supporting change.

Often consultants see serious system-wide needs for change. They also know the value of redesigning an organization and are therefore tempted to frequently recommend large-scale change. This recommendation may easily overwhelm church leaders ready only for incremental change. Therefore, large-scale change should be recommended only when the two critical criteria are available.

A small step accomplished is far better than a large step not attempted or achieved. A small step may also serve as a foundation for taking a big step of large-scale change.

Stephen Parks, Ph.D., is Church Development Consultant for the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association. He can be reached by email at 103321.2256@compuserve.com.

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