PDCA - A Model for Navigating Change

As part of my doctoral program I developed a project for addressing the process through which churches can navigate seasons of change.  Deming's Model has been very helpful in times past and I share it here as a process for navigating change not only in the church, but in any area of our lives.

Deming’s PDCA Model for carrying out change.  Developed as a business model for continuous improvement, I have found this model to be an excellent process guide for working through change in the church.

Plan. Recognize an opportunity and plan a change.

Do. Test the change. Carry out a small-scale study.

Check. Review the test, analyze the results and identify what you’ve learned.

Act. Take action based on what you learned in the study step: If the change did not work, go through the cycle again with a different plan. If you were successful, incorporate what you learned from the test into wider changes. Use what you learned to plan new improvements, beginning the cycle again.*

* Source: http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/project-planning-tools/overview/pdca-cycle.html, (accessed January 30, 2013).

Applying the Model for Working Through Change in the Church or Life…

Plan. Pray and establish a clear sense of vision and direction. Determine necessary changes to be made.

Do. Launch the changes slowly and as small steps.  Crawling always proceeds walking and running!

Check. Evaluate response, buy-in, mission/vision understanding, and make adjustments as needed.

Act. Implement change as the Lord leads through the process, and repeat the process over and again as you continue seeking to fulfill the mission/vision for the church!