Unity

 Change, even when it's positive, is an opportunity for the enemy to attempt to divide us. Your leadership is crucial in a season like this. You have influence that can cause unity and prevent any spread of misinformation. Ways to encourage unity:

Validation: let people process their emotions. We don’t have to agree or even understand why they’re feeling what they’re feeling (they may not either). This may trigger past hurt for some. That doesn't change the fact that however they feel, in a church of 1,000 there are others who feel the same.

Be WITH people: There is no “fix” or “solution”. Do not rush to have people be happy. When we are "in it" with people, which often means leading from vulnerability, people are able to accept change.

Be Real: Two things can be true, this is sad for many of us AND God is building on this foundation. Jesus is still here. God is still moving. As leaders we can make sure that the truth is the loudest voice and remind people that God is always in control. 

Lead People to Accurate Information

Now is not the time to guess when questions come up. A major part of your role as the leader is to spread accurate information and to correct others if they are not getting information from the sources provided. We have always valued transparency and that continues! There is ONE PLACE where updates and all information is located. Share it, lead others to it, reference it yourself through this transition. The Next Twenty Webpage has all the information and will be updated as things progress.