How to Bounce – 4 Ways
I’m really sorry to say that change doesn’t have a shelf life. No matter what a book or consultant might say, it’s never guaranteed fresh and nourishing until some date printed on the brochure. Change that’s fresh today may stay fresh for years. Or maybe for a couple of months.
We must look at the downturn and crisis in front of us, or the one we find ourselves sinking into, for exactly what it is. Something that God is not surprised by, and as an opportunity for us to grow in faith and obedience in Him. When we respond this way, we can bounce forward in faith, gaining an advantage over the enemy that allows us a season to save and serve more people.
To do this, we need to bounce forward in four different ways.
- Agility. We need to build into people and encourage them to bounce forward, shifting toward faster, informed decision-making. Rather than waiting long periods of time for the “perfect solution,” we need to install and support a “good enough” approach for change. This makes it easier for leaders and teams to try, test, learn, and adjust as more and more complex problems come at us faster and faster.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.Philippians 4:12 NIV
- Ownership. As we empower people, they must take ownership and become more and more self-sufficient. When ownership and outcomes are shared, people feel energized to carry out their plans. There needs to be a continuous feedback path through premortems, postmortems, and other opinion loops. These need to be viewed as a good thing, invigorating continual change of course and innovation.The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.Psalm 32:8 NLT
- Coaching. When you’re looking to identify adaptable and teachable leaders, be sure that they don’t just react when faced with disaster or an unanticipated change. You need to take time to coach then through change. This will build new actions and skills. One of the most important things you want to develop through your coaching is both short and long-term attitude not to give up.Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.2 Thessalonians 1:4 NIV
- Invest. We need to look at providing opportunities for the people that God has given to us. Opportunities to learn. To grow. To expand their horizons. Remember, these people are not resources to just get things done. They are people of eternal value, souls for whom Jesus dies. We must always, always, always treat them with respect and care, just like how Jesus treats us.Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.Isaiah 43:4 NIV
Bounce Super
Whenever I think about bouncing forward, I can’t help but picture a Wham-O Super Ball It doesn’t just bounce, it really bounces. And if you spin it correctly, it won’t just go up and down. Oh no, it’ll bounce forward.
In the same way, we need to look at disruptions and change as God’s opportunity to move forward with Him. We need to remember that what looks so overwhelming to us wasn’t a surprise at all to God. He’s in control and wants to move His church and people forward.
The promise of Jesus is that “the gates of Hades will not overcome.” That includes all the changes, troubles, and tough times coming our way. We need to respond to them for what they are, a change to grow in our faith and that of our people.
This article on how to bounce originally appeared here at the Small Group Network, and is used by permission.
