My friend and coach, Dave Howeth who serves a Church Planting Catalyst with NAMB here in Colorado, sent me an e-mail recently reminding me that trust is the currency of change.  He sent that to encourage my associate pastor and myself about the Great Commission direction we seek to take the church.

Here’s what I’ve gleaned in how and why trust is the currency of change–and how it can be lost.

1. Transparency.  Communicate frequently, clearly, and passionately about the next steps with your key people.  Also, allow feedback in giving permission for them to be transparent with you.  (See Galatians 2:11-21.)
2. Loyalty.  Trust comes when those around you know you love them and have their back.  This may mean you stick with someone longer than others believe you should, but you do all you can to help them succeed.  (Think of Barnabas with John Mark in Acts 15:33ff.)
3. Integrity.  Align what you say with what you’ll do and vice versa.  Hypocrisy is a high crime in our culture.  Integrity is still a high virtue, even in the business world. (Look at Proverbs 10:9.)
4. Care.  Engage people around you and ‘under’ you (in regards to chains of command).  Showing you care about them personally and genuinely will go a long way in developing a culture of trust. (John 13:34-35).
5. Learn. Admit your mistakes, and actively seek to rectify the situation.  I’ve found that if you own your mistakes and learn from them for the future, you’ll gain even more trust from others.  If you fail to own them and blame them on people, situations, etc., trust wanes.  (“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. — Proverbs 28:13)
6. Reconcile. Admit when you’ve acted out of line.  Jesus said, “First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.  Come to terms quickly” (Matthew 5:24b-25a).
7. Self-aware. Trust is an emotional bank account.  When numerous changes need to take place, “mutual trust and good relationships are sometimes the only things to hold on to.” (Source)  Trust serves as an emotional bank account through which you can make deposits or withdrawals. (Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.–Proverbs 28:26)
8. Appreciation.  When someone is helpful or shows a nice gesture to you, say thank you.  Never let a good deed or word go by without showing appreciation. (See Philippians 1:3-6.)