EARTHQUAKE

Over and over I have asserted that the world - including the church world - has dramatically changed and continues to dramatically change. We are living as we speak in the middle of a cultural earthquake - a veritable crack point in history. Leadership of the past cannot be the same as leadership of the future. For a long time, change has been evolutionary; today, it's revolutionary - rapid - urgent.

The rapid sharing of information and lifting up teamwork is a critical factor to the success of great leaders, more than it has ever been in the past.

Radical diversity is changing the face of church life in 2011.

For decades, a large majority of people were raised, if not within the church, at least a stone's throw from it. Leaders could assume newcomers - or any comer - had some foundation in Christian faith. Now, the church can assume nothing of the sort.

For years, we imagined correctly that 'actions speak louder than words.' Not any more. The best deeds are received with some suspicion these days. People's eyes and ears are ultra-alert to 'hidden agendas.' They want to know the concrete faith that lies behind the actions.

Loyalty to one denomination used to be legendary. That has been thrown out the window today. Leaders either meet the changing needs of people or they go elsewhere.

People used to attend church nearly within walking distance of their home - at least no more than a short drive - and the whole family came together in one vehicle. These days people will drive miles and miles to whatever community of faith they connect to - and they'll each drive separately if need be.

This is hardly an exhaustive list of reasons leaders are having challenges today, but the challenge is clear. If we cannot adopt new styles and methods and define ourselves to a whole new generation with great purpose, then God will raise up leaders who can.

'The earthquake cometh.'

And be blessed.