Every leader must be a master of radical change! Throughout my ministry, I have experienced several radical changes. I pastored a small church in a classroom. Then I pastored a church in a corridor. Then I became a pastor of a church in a canteen. Then I became a full time pastor of a church in a cinema hall. After some years, I became a Bishop in a cathedral overseeing many churches. Then I moved forward and became an evangelist conducting crusades. After that I became a pastor of a youth church.
Radical changes can be the beginnings of expansions and great growth. When a snake changes its skin, it is still the same snake with the same vision. Snakes normally shed their skin to allow for growth. Whenever you see the shed skin of a snake, you are seeing the evidence of growth and development.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Snakes undergo this major and dramatic manoeuvre of shedding their skin to prompt and bring about growth. Because of its new skin, it is able to expand and grow and do greater works. When it sheds its skin, it is able to overcome bigger animals and have bigger meals. It is probably a more dangerous animal because of the radical change. Don’t be afraid of radical changes as the Lord moves you forward. They will lead you to great growth!
Four Radical Changes in the Ministry of Jesus
1. The radical change in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ underwent a major transformation. The Lord of Lords came down from heaven and was born as a human baby. That was indeed a radical change; from being God the Son in heaven to being born as a baby in a manger!
2. The radical change in Nazareth. Jesus Christ grew up as a normal child and a young man. He silently learned and humbly obeyed His parents. He became an ordinary carpenter’s apprentice in His community.
3. The radical change in Galilee. Jesus Christ was transformed radically from a quiet and humble carpenter’s apprentice to a radical preacher with miracles, signs and wonders. Galilee was the region that had cities like Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida. It was in these cities that Jesus performed awesome miracles. This was the third phase of His ministry. The change from Nazareth to Galilee was dramatic. In Nazareth, Jesus was a quiet unassuming person, living a normal carpenter’s life. But then He underwent a radical change and moved forward with a completely new presentation in Galilee. When a snake sheds its skin, it dramatically reveals a brand new shining glistening coat. A new day is born and new things are going to come forth! Radical changes are working in your life!
4. The radical change in Jerusalem. The ministry of Jesus Christ underwent a radical change. He was transformed from a radical, outgoing and invincible preacher into a humble lamb. The powerful preacher and great miracle worker who raised the dead radically changed to one who could be arrested and beaten as though He had no power. As a humble lamb, He allowed himself to be subjected to interrogation, torture and crucifixion. This part of His ministry was quite different from Galilee, Nazareth or Bethlehem. This was to be the last radical change on earth. Radical changes are brought about by taking major decisions.
Dear leader, make radical changes in your ministry by taking major decisions. Major decisions bring about major changes! However, as you make the radical changes of your life and ministry do not ever depart from your original calling. It is very dangerous to step away from the principles of the word of God and the call of God. If you have been called to be a pastor, you are likely to be a pastor all your life. You may pastor different groups of people but that calling to be a pastor will never go away. If you are called to be a prophet, that calling will stay with you. Note that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
I must sound a caution though. A radical change is not a radical deterioration from what you ought to be. For example, you can never set aside John 3:16 and the purpose for which Christ came to shed His blood. Jesus did not shed His blood for us so that we would be successful. He shed His blood for us to save us from our sins. God did not send His son to this world just to make us rich or to give us a good life. Do not change the gospel! God sent His Son into the world that we might not perish. Departing from these foundations is not a radical change but a radical deterioration. The Church must not depart from these foundations!
theaol@ymail.com
By Dag Heward-Mills