Change is difficult because of the aloneness people feel when going through a transition. We often believe we are the only ones experiencing the range of emotions and fears associated with the change. We may also think that our sense of resistance to the change is out of sync with our peers or the community; we don't wish to be perceived as dissenters or non-conformists. So what’s the solution?

Great leaders are aware of the range of responses everyone has to change. Some are quick to adapt while others are resistant. So leaders create involvement and facilitate discussion about what everyone is going through, helping everyone understand that it's normative to experience a range of emotions. They answer concerns and specific questions. They also help those who are positive about the change understand why those who are negative toward it and vice versa. 

In Mark 5:1-20 Jesus delivered a man from an evil spirit. His community wasn't comfortable with what happened and pled with Jesus to leave their region. Feeling alone, the man who had been delivered desired to go with Jesus and his disciples. However, Jesus told him to go home to his own people and share what had happened with them. The man was given an opportunity to draw his community out of their isolation and embrace the change that had taken place. Interestingly enough, when Jesus returned to that area later (Decapolis—see Mark 7:31-37), he was greeted by large crowds of people now receptive to his message. The delivered man had evidently made a difference!