When presenting about change at regional workshops I have emphasized the point that no change occurs without some urgency. That is, without a sense of urgency, there is little motivation to change and rarely any long-term change. Twice I have been asked about the danger of alarming the congregation; of spreading wildfire.

On the one hand this is a valid concern as "wild" fire can have a tendency to burn out of control and destroy - something to definitely avoid.

On the other hand, unless the congregation takes their head out of the sand and realizes that there is a fire which has the potential bring death to the church, through stagnation if nothing else, there is little hope of bringing change.

So, the answer is, take the risk, take off the blinders and reveal the danger and allow/create/nurture a sense of urgency which can be used to motivate change.