What Losing a Tooth Taught Me About Change

It was 1:58 AM in the morning.

Our son made his way into our bedroom. This happens now and then. Sometimes it’s a bad dream. Other times, he’s not feeling well. My wife usually takes care of it quickly, and we’re back to sleep in no time.

But this time, there was joy in his voice.

He had just lost his first tooth! And the next morning, he was still bouncing with excitement. That moment got me thinking. God designed losing baby teeth to teach us something. As strange as it sounds, it’s a beautiful picture of change.

Especially in leadership.

Step 1: A Tooth Gets Loose

It starts with a bit of discomfort. The child avoids chewing with that tooth. They know something’s shifting, but they’re not sure what to do about it.

In ministry or business, we see similar signals when a program, project, or process isn’t working like it used to. There’s tension, a lack of traction, maybe some unspoken avoidance. Something’s out of place, and while it might not be painful yet, you can feel the wobble.

Step 2: It’s Time for the Tooth to Come Out

Eventually, the tooth barely hangs on. Everyone knows it needs to go, but there’s hesitation. It might hurt. So we delay.

We do the same thing in leadership. A ministry area has run its course, but a few people keep holding on. We fear the fallout of pulling the plug, even though the area no longer bears fruit. It’s functionally useless, but emotionally hard to release.

Step 3: The Child Takes a Stand

At some point, the child gathers the courage to say, “Let’s do this.” With support from Mom, Dad, or siblings, they get it done. Maybe it’s a tug with tissue. Maybe the old doorknob and dental floss trick. But the tooth comes out.

In leadership, someone needs to step up and make the call. Maybe you’ve seen enough and can’t delay any longer. It’s time to lead the way, even if others are afraid. Sometimes, it takes an outside voice or a trusted advisor to help you make the final pull.

Step 4: The Tooth Is Out

Suddenly, everything changes. The pain is over, and joy sets in. There’s a space for something stronger to grow. There’s a celebration. And yes, a small reward from “The Tooth Fairy” always helps overcome the discomfort and bleeding.

Once the program or project is finally removed, people often feel relief. It’s done. The space created allows something better to develop. Something built for the next season of life or ministry.

Growth Comes After the Discomfort of Change

Whether it’s a tooth or a church initiative, the principle holds: growth often comes through pain. But that pain has a purpose. God designed both our bodies and our ministries to grow. But sometimes, growth requires letting go.

In John 15:2, Jesus says, “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2 ESV)

Pruning isn’t easy. But it’s what produces something stronger and more fruitful. If you’re facing change, don’t let fear paralyze you. God often uses discomfort to prepare us for something better.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Can you remember losing your first tooth?
• Have you had to pull a program or project that once had value?
• What new growth might God bring from the empty space?