Transformational Churches, part 3
October 21, 2011
What an amazing, life-changing talk Bishop Thomas gave at Learning Community this year. I want to continue sharing these points (11-15 in his 20-point message) on what differentiates transformational churches from non-transformational ones.
#11 is that transformational churches rely on teams and interdependence whereas non-transformational churches rely on individuals and independence. The Bible calls the church the Body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.”
Pastors and churches can fall into the same “cult of personality” trap that the surrounding culture is lost in. That is not the way it is to be. In transformational churches, it is never about one person. All of us must work together and contribute our part to be a success, just as all parts of the human body work together to function properly.
#12 is that in transformational churches, pre-Christian groups are using their facilities, and in non-transformational churches, only Christian groups use their facilities. This obviously does not apply to us because we do not own our own facility or determine who uses it, but the principle is a good one. We should open our church to those who are “Pre-Christian”. They should be made to feel welcome and a part before they make a personal decision to follow Christ, not after.
#13 is that transformational churches Bible application is stressed, whereas in non-transformational churches, Bible study is stressed. This is not to say that Bible study and Bible study classes don’t have their place. But what we must focus on and celebrate is not that we have increased our knowledge, but that our application of the teaching and obedience to the commands is taking place. That is the important thing!
#14 Passion is highest for Jesus and his people in transformational churches. In non-transformational churches, passion is highest for vision or program. That is tremendously convicting for me personally. Passion for a vision and the success of LLG can run high in me, but it can never outshine the joy and love and passion and devotion to Jesus and people.
#15 Most people can answer “Who are you reaching?”, whereas in non-transformational churches, few people can answer that question. Point #15 is one of the main reasons we are going to focus our outreach efforts on Isla Vista. I hope and pray that it will be clearly understood, demonstrated, and articulated by us all that we are REACHING IV!
