Romans 12:2—“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
In Ministry we are in the “transforming business.” God does the transforming, we are instruments in the process. I’ve been thinking about our church's Mission Statement—“To Know Christ and To Make Him Known.” This speaks of transformation. For me the test of effectiveness in ministry is whether or not people are being transformed. So last night at our monthly board meeting I decided to challenge our leaders. If we as leaders aren't being transformed then how can we expect others to experience the transforming power of God's Word and Spirit? I asked all of us to answer the following questions (silently in their own minds).
• Am I truly being transformed into the image of Christ?
• What evidence is there in my life that I am being conformed to the image of Christ? Is there more love—not just looking out for our own special interests, but also for the interests of others, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and/or self-control? Do I exhibit a greater love for the lost? Am I giving more generously, serving more readily, responding to the Spirit’s promptings more frequently, and/or stepping out in faith more regularly? Am I spending time in God’s Word, in prayer, in meditation, etc., because I want to and need to or because I have to?
• What am I doing to be intentional about growing spiritually?
• What is there in my life personally that hinders me from growing?
• What is there in the way we are structuring ministry or doing ministry that helps people be transformed? What hinders transformation?
I’m pondering what transformation looks like for me personally and what steps I need to take to Know Christ and to Make Him Known.
Some questions for personal contemplation and some for us as leaders to think about in regard to the ministry here.
Father, help us to stay close to you and to stay focused on the goal of transformation not merely the accumulation of information.
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