Renewing Congregations - About Transformation

Why Transform?
A congregation, like a person, has a life cycle. Birth, adolescence, maturity and old age all bring many of the same characteristics in a congregation's life as into a person's life. A pioneer spirit seems reserved for the young while older congregations may be more set in their ways and less likely to try new things or seek out new people. This isn't a rule but it is common.

Unlike people, the congregation may interrupt this process and the accompanying attitudes and behaviors. Sometimes that happens smoothly: a new pastor is called, the congregation's membership changes, and life always seems fresh. Often the congregation needs intentional help or intervention to break the birth-life-death cycle. Change, although necessary, is also difficult.

Transformation is a serious step in the life of a congregation. It is born of the awareness that "more of the same" is leading to death. It draws on the discernment of the membership and leadership that the congregation is called by God to continue to work in a community that desperately needs to hear the Word of grace made real because Christ is alive and working in our midst.

What Does Transformation Look Like?
Transformation can look like many things. Each congregation is a unique place for mission and ministry. However, there are several common themes. Almost all transformational ministries exhibit the following:

1. Congregational life is first and foremost based on spiritual depth and vitality (dynamic preaching, scripture study and prayer are central in the activity of the transformed congregation).

2. Coming to grips with the congregation's identity and core values

3. Usually connected with new pastoral leadership

4. The pastor and key lay leaders work together

5. The congregation reconnects with its surrounding community

6. Willing to plan for mission and then carry out the plan

7. Means committing adequate resources to the mission of the congregation

Can We Transform?
Keep in mind that congregations, like individuals, don't live forever. There may be a time when the congregation would be most faithful to close the doors and help its members align with other ministries. But if you can imagine your congregation greeting a new day in evangelical outreach, becoming excited about the activity of God rather than institutional survival, and becoming energized to work in new and meaningful ways, then transformation and new life is possible!

How Might We Get Involved in a National Training Event?
Transformational Ministry events are for congregations which are serious about making major changes in the core of their ministry. They often are declining in weekly worship attendance, or have had dysfunctional systems (of any size) for a long time. Old patterns of ministry and behavior may need to die in order for new life to flourish. Contact your mission director.

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