Yet Another Note on Transformation

8/16/05

Transformation is a word we use all too easily. In calling "change" or "experimentation" or "modification" of a thing "transformation" we dilute a powerful word. Transformation is metamorphosis: a complete change in nature or appearance, such as in Kafka's story about a person being transformed into a bug.

Transformation is about altering either the form or essence of a thing, either its appearance or its nature. Biologists, physicists, mathematicians, chemists, electricians, and artists are all very interested in transformation. Things look different. In fact they are different.

Transformation is always the hard work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot accomplish it. When we try to make transformation, happen we only create another program (and its associated problem) and once again begin to rely on ourselves to make the church work. Then we get tired and numbed to the Spirit, burned out and willing to settle for doing business of usual - which is as far from the kingdom of heaven as HO trains are from diesel locomotives.

We can neither control nor predict the movement of the Spirit. Like the wind she blows where she will. The best we can do is create open spaces for her to move. We should speak not too much about what the Spirit is doing, and even then, in hushed tones.

The Jesus Connection process is about congregational transformation. The focus is the congregation and not its individual members. However, when individual members taste and see that the Lord is good on the path to congregational transformation they become less invested in holding on to the traditions of the past and more willing to take further risks.

It is absolutely necessary that the leaders of a congregation interested in transformation prayerfully commit themselves to risking, listening, waiting, seeking, keeping vigilant silence - all long before anyone sees external, measurable change. We cannot see out of the boxes into which our history and structure have placed us until we risk climbing out of those boxes to take a look around. Congregational sabbatical is our getting out and looking about. The landscape begins to appear very different. It is an active time of hidden growth. Those months when a spiritual community agrees to be at rest so that persons can sharpen ears for listening and eyes for seeing is not transformation, but it the trusting sharing of our lives: our hurts and hopes and walks with each other which creates open spaces for the Spirit. At some point along the way a transformation occurs. People began to look back and say, "That's how we were, but it's not how we are now."

We believe that God calls 100% of congregations to be interested in transformation. It is not optional activity. It is never completed. It is, however, those followers who have died to the old, their old selves, their old congregations, their old traditions who are able to witness Resurrection New Life to the old world.

Blessings to all and courage to those leaders willing to dare to risk, trust, listen, and engage.

            - David Digby - First Christian Church,Ames, IA