More Than Window Dressing

As I have been in conversation with individuals that claim to be intentionally engaged in transformation, I have come to realize that for some of them there is a lack of true understanding.  They mistakenly believe that if they adjust a thing or two in their worship, maybe add a few more colors in their buildings, and change some titles, they are actively involved in positive transformation.  This has reminded me how important it is to continually work with people to help them understand that transformation is more than tweaking a little around the edges.  Transformation is at the root of our very being if it is going to be effective.  Let me expand on what I mean.

The Spirit desires to bring about that transformation in us that reconnects us to the relationship that the Lord originally designed us to be a part of.  A relationship in which the Lord is our God and we are God's people.  A relationship where we actively engage in the work of the Lord as the Spirit leads us.  This is a transformation in the core of who we live our lives to be.  When this type of transformation occurs within us, then we are able to assist others in discovering how the Spirit wishes to transform them and assisting them in that on-going process just as we continue in the process.

All of this translates in the church as a need to transform some of our approaches, attitudes, and patterns of living out our faith.  It means being open to the movement of the Spirit instead of the latest opinion poll.  It means taking risks and exploring new understandings even when they make us uncomfortable.  It means letting go when the program, tradition, or activity no longer compliments or strengthens the ministry that the Lord calls us to be and do at this place and time.  It means more work and less laziness.

What I am proposing is that intentional transformation in the church (and the individual) is more than just changing the window dressings to a different color.  It means changing who we are and how we behave in order to be more faithful to the minsitry to which we have been called!