Congregations seeking to transform do not give up on transformation too soon. They are willing to invest the length of time needed to experience enough effective transitions and changes that transformation takes place. Depending on the starting point of a congregation on the congregational life cycle, this can be one year or so or up to five years.
Wise congregations seek outside counsel to help them determine the length of commitment and action they will need before they can expect to see sustainable transformation. This may also help them understand the order in which they need to take various actions.