But Be Transformed?

9/1/05

     "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God." (Rom. 12:2) Our recent Reflections have been addressing transformation, but we all know that it is easier to write or talk about transformation than it is to experience it.  I think there is a demonic seed in all human institutions that causes them to focus on surviving in much the same form as they presently exist, whether that form is healthy or not. 

     Research shows that by the time congregations have been around fifteen years and more, they are likely to have significantly lower proportions of professions of faith than congregations that are less than five years old.  In more established congregations, persons are likely to experience both an institutional message and the gospel.  The institutional message is likely to interfere as one perceives both what it means to be Christian and a member of a particular church. 

     We have learned how important it is for the congregation to be "indigenous" in order to relate to its mission field.  We need to understand our culture, but perhaps mainline churches have become too much a part of the culture so that their message becomes conforming rather than transforming.  Many of the people connected to our congregations are more comfortable in the culture of commerce, government, or education than with the commission to "Go therefore, and make disciples..."  How often does being a "good church member" represent

conforming to cultural expectations rather than being agents of transformation?

     It is difficult to overcome our institutionalism and enculturation so that we can develop a mind for transformation.  That is why we need the support of a network of persons passionate about transformation who understand both how hard the work of transformation is and how much joy each baby step brings.  That is why we need the encouragement of like-hearted souls who will give us ideas for challenging the status quo in healthy ways.  That is why we need to keep our focus on the mission and not the organization, knowing that the mission is far too important to surrender to the demonic structures that possess much of our church life. That is why we need ministries like The Jesus Connection that call us to the work of spiritual and structural transformation.

     I hope in the midst of all the responsibilities that call for our attention this time of year, that each of us will set aside a few minutes each day to consider with God how we can bring renewal and transformation to our congregations so that they might more clearly discern what the will of God is for their work and future.

Loren Olson     First United Church, Little Falls, Minnesota