The Transformation Process

Chris Rosebrough at Extreme Theology has a post in which he states "...I am going on the record by saying that I am 99.9% convinced that LCMS President Gerry Kieschnick is engaged in a full scale, strategic campaign to radically overhaul and change the LCMS."

He goes on:

I've taken the time to read through his actions, writings, statements and the suggestions of his Blue Ribbon Task Force and am convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is following a well scripted, well planned Change Initiative, the goal of which is to insure that the LCMS becomes and will forever remain a purpose-driven / church-growth denomination.

...The Change Management process that Kieschnick and the consultants that are advising him are using is straight out of John Kotter's book "Leading Change". This book is considered to be the BIBLE for change management and in my professional opinion, Kieschnick and his consultants are following Kotter's approach STRAIGHT DOWN THE LINE.

Chris then reproduces a portion of Kotter's book showing "The Eight-Stage Process of Creating Major Change," a process which I definitely do not remember reading about in the book I prefer to turn to for transformation tips, the Bible.

If you're at all familiar with the business world, or have been in a church that has been "hijacked" by Church Growth Movement proponents, you will immediately recognize these steps. There are many variations from author to author on the exact steps to achieve transformation, but they generally follow the pattern set out in Mr. Kotter's book.

It is important to be able to recognize these transformation process steps so that 1) You will be able to recognize and address any unbiblical steps set forth within your particular synod, and 2) You will be able to recognize and address any unbiblical steps within your own congregation. I hope you'll take the time to read Chris Rosebrough's short post, and educate yourself on the transformation process.