https://vimeo.com/sbtconline/review/290202284/fa7ab20b56
https://vimeo.com/sbtconline/review/290202284/fa7ab20b56
Today’s culture is obsessed with transformation. Many television shows are built on some sort of dramatic change leading to a complete metamorphosis. The climax of these shows is that moment when the bus is moved, the screens are rolled away or the person walks out from behind the curtain and there is a collective awe. These transformations are dramatic, and they amaze us. Unfortunately, our propensity for this nearly immediate modification, has caused some real issues in our understanding and process of disciple-making in the church.
Three ways the culture has created a wrong understanding of transformation:
1. Instant – Through the magic of TV editing, we have become accustomed to changes in 22-minute or 42-minute segments and therefore transformation is perceived as something nearly instantaneous. Some have taken this same approach in the church. Leaders frequently struggle or even disengaged if transformation is not quick and easy.
• The Truth – Transformation is a process. It is a long slow work in the lives of believers. It is never instant and often it’s very messy.
2. Complete – The key to each of these TV programs is they finish by the end of the show. The transformation is done just in the nick of time and it’s wonderful. It looks amazing. They undertook an immense task and they made it happen.
• The Truth – In our disciple-making it is never complete. We are always a work in progress, and everyone is different, so transformation has a unique look in each person.
3. Visible – These complete changes are clear to see. They show the before and after leaving no doubt that a massive work has been completed.
• The Truth – When we talk about making disciples this involves people, not things, and entails a transformation that begins on the inside and works its way out. It can be difficult to see the transformation and many give up on the process.
The mandate in Jesus’ commission, to his disciples and all believers, is to make disciples that will in turn make disciples. The original disciples, in the book of Acts, were sent out into the world to replicate their faith to every tribe and tongue. Sadly, today’s culture has become so focused on the instant that we have lost this beautiful art of transformation.
If you want to focus on spiritual transformation in your church here are three things to keep in mind.
1. Non-linear – (Sorry to drop a math term) Most of the time, transformation in someone’s life is one step forward and two-steps backward. We have so many struggles and issues to work through that it’s not a constant growth. It resembles the stock market with its ups and downs more than a straight climb. The key with this is to make spiritual progress. The speed of the progress is less important than the fact that there is movement in the right direction.
2. Clear Definition – A number of these television shows are so successful because they know what a good final result looks like. Too often in the church we start the process of transformation, but we have no idea what a disciple does or spiritually looks like. If we don’t know what we are trying to produce, we won’t get anywhere.
3. Multiplication – The end goal is always multiplication. Many times, we have a focus on helping people mature to live better Christian lives. There is nothing wrong with this desire. The struggle is that Jesus told us to make disciples. You are a disciple when you are making disciples of others who in turn will make disciples of others. It’s a chain that goes back to Jesus and will only end when he returns for his bride.
Transformation is from God. When we see it in the world or even a TV show it demonstrates a beautiful picture of redemption and change. He does it every day. However, the greatest picture of true transformation happens in the lives of people who turn from their sin and trust and walk with him. They in turn help others do the same, and this happens time and time again, disciples making disciples.