Church Transformation

The vision of ABC-NW is to “grow healthy, mission-focused churches that multiply disciples.” This statement, which defines the essential purpose of the Region, is based on several biblical truths:

1. Jesus calls His church to move out into the world and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). This is the church’s first priority according to Christ’s own command.
2. Jesus calls His church to bless people through acts of kindness, promote justice, and communicate the Good News. In this way the world is exposed to the one true, living God and His benefits. This task was first given to Israel, but it failed to be obedient in this essential purpose. (Matt 5:13-16; 25:31-46, 1 Peter 2:9)
3. Jesus promised He would build His church and the gates of hell would not halt His church building project. The church is to grow and expand. When it is not growing, something is amiss. (Matt 16:18)
4. Jesus is the life of the church, and when the church finds its life in Him, it will be healthy, winsome, and displaying the qualities that make Jesus attractive to the world. The church pursues health. (Matt 15:1-17, Gal 5:22-26, John 17:21, Eph 4:15-16)

Our vision statement clarifies the fundamental purpose and pursuit of the Region, and is grounded in scripture. I am committed to leading our Region to assist every church in our association to pursue the mission of Jesus Christ, to become healthy, so that more people will come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, and learn how to be life-long followers of Jesus Christ. How will we know that we are making progress towards this vision?  When the churches, on the whole, are multiplying more disciples in ever increasing numbers.

Now, if you take a few moments to evaluate your particular church you may find that it’s not so healthy, and it may have little outward focus.  No new disciples are being made.

In fact, if truth be told, it may be in decline, and has been for years. If that is the case death is lurking just around the corner. What should be done?

This is where church transformation comes into play, along with leadership, two key Region Landmarks, or strategies, for turning churches around.

If a church is inward focused, unhealthy and failing to make disciples, a change is required. Transformation is needed. I find that most healthy churches are in some stage of transition. They never settle for the status-quo, a static existence. They know that pursuing Christ’s mission calls for constant transformation. This is true for the individual follower of Christ, and it’s true for a corporate body of followers.

However, unhealthy churches tend to perpetuate the same traditions, methodologies and programs of the past. They are inward focused. They worry about conserving what little they have. They resist efforts to clarify vision. They repel changes that would help them achieve their God-given mission and purpose.

Paul said something critical that relates to the issue of transformation:

“But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3-14)

Paul always kept the goal to which God had called him squarely in his mind. He never lost sight of it. He pursued it relentlessly. He put behind him past failures, disappointments, and even ministry strategies that were no longer effective. Instead, Paul strained forward, not resting in his accomplishments, for there was more work to be done.

This should be prescriptive for our churches. We should always be straining toward what is ahead, not living in the past. We should press on to win the prize for which God has called His church. There should be a holy restlessness until our task is completed, which it will never be until Christ returns. Transfor-mation is a continuing work.

Transformation begins with dis-ease with the status quo. It moves forward as God’s people yearn to be back on mission with Jesus. It is empowered through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is motivated by a God-given vision of the future. It is sharpened through a renewed focus on the purposes of Christ for His church. It is attained through sacrificial service and bold witness. I pray that every church in the Region will relentlessly pursue transforma-tion, to the Glory of God, and the expansion of His Kingdom