Order, Disorder, Reorder

Christian artist Jason Gray wrote a song called “Order, Disorder, Reorder.” It is also a spiritual and psychological phrase used by Franciscan Monk Richard Rohr. I like the song—I don’t like all of Rohr’s writings. Nonetheless, I think the phrase is helpful. I’ve been experiencing order, disorder, and reordering in my life. 

Order is considered the first stage of life, where one builds a stable, safe, and sometimes superficial view of life. It is characterized by a building up of the ego, clear rules, and is characterized by immature innocence. The order stage is necessary but dangerous if a person stays stuck there too long. 

Disorder is the second stage of life which feels like a turning point. The turning point comes when your life hits a crisis—tragedy, loss, or failure—that breaks the existing order. It is a period of falling, disappointment, and losing control. This stage teaches what success cannot.

Reorder is the final stage where the individual sees life in a new way. Psychologists say one receives a New Consciousness and a profound humbling of the ego. In this final stage opposites collide and unite, allowing for paradox. Life is not black and white—but grey. A “reorder’ allows someone to accept that death and failure are part of life, resulting in a more profound connection to God. 

I think order, disorder, reorder is a helpful paradigm for church leaders. Leaders crave order. Order is good and from God. Yet, sin, selfishness, the flesh, the world, and Satan inevitably lead to disorder. Only the humility of Christ can lead people and groups to repentance and a reordering that only comes through the cross and empty tomb of Jesus. Reorder only comes through trust in Christ. 

I’m a Dad of three older teens. They are all wonderful, and Jesus has great things for each of them. Parenting is hard for so many reasons, but one of the hardest lessons of parenting is that I can’t move my kids around disorder. They have to go through it. All I can do is pray they pass through disorder into the loving arms of Jesus who will help them reorder their life. I can’t be “the fix” for my kids. I can’t be God for my kids. Good thing they are ultimately His and not ours. 

The same is true in leading a church. We love order in the church. Yet, healthy churches will have to pass through seasons of disorder. Disorder may be brought about through sin and selfishness. It can also be brought about consciously by leaders who identify what needs to change for the ministry to continue to grow to reach their community with the Gospel. This is one of the “crosses” of leadership—you’re going to disappoint people when you bring about a certain level of disorder for the sake of the mission. Everyone won’t like you. It’s okay. Stay connected to Christ and each other—even your naysayers. You’ll make it through to reorder as you humbly listen, love, and courageously lead. 

Here is the sad truth. Many leaders tap out in the midst of disorder. They can’t take the tension between where we were and where we’re going. My congregation is in a season like this. My leadership has to evolve to move us from where we were to where we need to be. Sometimes I get frustrated we are not “there” more quickly. That’s okay. I can honestly let Jesus and my close friends and advisors know. Frustration, anxiety, and fear are normal emotions in disorder. Overall, I’m grateful for the reordering journey the Holy Spirit is working in me and our congregation. Gratitude goes a long way during the season of disorder. Jesus is so good, and He is so near. 

I believe the LCMS is in a season of disorder heading into the 2026 Convention. Frustration, anxiety, and fear are found in many of our almost 400 overtures submitted. What leaders must not do is ignore we are in a disordered season, pretending we’re in an ordered state. This is a passive approach that welcomes passive-aggressive attitudes toward one another. Only Jesus can lead us to repentance, humility, forgiveness, and reorder. He wants to do this. Therefore, as you speak and write in and around the Convention, be gentle with one another. Outdo one another in showing honor. Speak the truth in love. Love covers a multitude of sins. We’re a disordered group. Only Jesus can lead us to reorder. 

It is easy to think of order, disorder, reorder as a straight line, as if once we get to reorder we’re done—no more disorder. That is not the way life works. These stages are more cyclical than linear. Also, some parts of your life may be at different stages in the cycle than others. For example, your homelife may have recently been put into reorder as you weathered a storm, while your work life may be in disorder. 

Here is what unites every stage of life—trust in Jesus. You can’t make it on your own. You deeply need Jesus. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were an example of order, disorder, reorder. He is well familiar with your journey. He is with you every step of the way. Enjoy the adventure. 

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