Religion Quote by Thom S. Rainer
““Even if the church began to grow on its own, the members of the dying church would only accept the growth if the new members were like them and if the church would continue to “do church” the way they wanted it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren, 1995
People resist change unless newcomers match their expectations and preserve familiar practices.
In simple terms: Change is accepted only when it feels familiar.
Key Takeaway
Preserve core values while welcoming diversity.
Themes
change
identity
community
tradition
growth
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
advisory
observational
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- community integration
- membership recruitment
- cultural adaptation
Key Concepts
social conformity
group dynamics
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a community honor tradition while embracing new perspectives?
- What practices can be updated without losing identity?
A Different Perspective
New members may still feel excluded if differences are emphasized.
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