Transformational Churches, part 1

Transformational Churches part 1.
Bishop Matt Thomas led several incredible teaching seminars at this year’s “Learning Community” event in City of Industry.  I want to share one for you in 4 parts.  It was his TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCHES seminar.  He cited twenty different ways in which certain churches distinguish themselves as TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCHES.  What was so encouraging about the seminar was that it was both affirming and convicting at the same time.  I think that we, at LLG, are doing 11 of these well and 9 of them not so well–but at NONE of the areas have we “arrived”.  In other words, we are on our way, but there is definite room for improvement.
Each week over the next four weeks, I will share five of those points with some of my thoughts.
Bishop Thomas opened by saying that TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCHES see transformation taking place on at least four levels:
✦ from animosity or indifference to openness and interest
✦ from death to life (conversion)
✦ from observer to participant
✦ from passionate disciple to passionate disciple maker
And the end result is multiplication!
He added that transformational and multiplying churches
✦ Get more people in the game
✦ Rely more on the Holy Spirit
✦ Take seriously their call to reach the world for Jesus
Here are the first five of the twenty points of difference between transformational and non-transformational churches (with my thoughts):
1.  Transformational Churches have unity.  Non-transformational churches have disunity or casual commonality.  (I believe we are doing great at this.  There is no gossip, back-biting, triangulation, or unhealthy conversation at LLG.  We truly and genuinely love one another and it shows!)
2.  Transformational Churches have engaging and compelling love.  Non-transformational churches have fondness or appreciation. (I believe that we are doing an overall good job at this.  We are involved in one another’s lives in a deeply personal and committed way)
3.  Transformational Churches have “cannot help it” sharing, giving, loving.  Non-transformational churches have “hard to do it” sharing, giving, loving.  (LLG can improve in this area, as I see it.  We have, especially in our leadership, talked about the difficulties and barriers to giving, loving, and sharing.  We do a good job overall, but it is not natural or “cannot help it” yet)
4.  Transformational Churches practice all the “one anothers”.  Non-transformational churches practice some of the “one anothers”.  (By this, he meant that in the Bible are many exhortations to “_____ one another.”  We immediately think of “love one another” and “encourage one another”, but what about “confess to one another” and “exhort one another”?  We are doing well at this overall in my opinion)
5.  Transformational Churches are enthusiastic and excited.  They have a contagious buzz.  Non-transformational churches are civil and friendly.  They are a polite community.  (We can do better at this, church.  We have seen God do many wonderful things among us and we need to celebrate them and tell the whole world.  This will happen quite naturally, I believe when we are doing #6 better, so you better be sure and read next’s Light and Lifeline!)

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