Spiritual formation or transformation – what are we doing?
Mark Waltz | …because People Matter: Spiritual Formation Isn’t a Department Ministry
Spiritual Formation Isn’t a Department Ministry
Life Formation
Last week Tim Stevens used a similar diagram to illustrate the importance of keeping the weekend service’s purpose clean and clear. In Steven’s words “We are at our best when we focus our weekend services squarely on those who are at the beginning of their spiritual journey…” (read his post here). Some would argue that discipleship happens in some component outside of the weekend. Perhaps in groups. Or maybe a class.
Really? Since when does discipleship happen in a department of ministry?
Dallas Willard points out in his book, Renovation of the Heart, that spiritual formation begins at birth. As in – human birth. Like as a baby. Through our parents, friends, coaches, pastors, culture, life events – good and bad we are daily being formed. Formation is happening. Hence, because all of life is spiritual, spiritual formation happens whether or not we ever make it to church. Our views of God, life, others and ourselves are being formed everyday in every way. That’s spiritual formation.
However, spiritual transformation – or rather – life transformation (it’s all spiritual) occurs through the power and work of the Holy Spirit. And He utilizes what He chooses to transform us. He uses relationships, the Scriptures, biblical teaching, spiritual practices, serving, giving, and life experiences to transform us.
Spiritual transformation has never been a department. Unless you consider the Holy Spirit to be a department.
Our role in the local church is to leverage every venue, every tool, with clear communication to help our people live integrated lives that are step by step surrendered to the work and cause of Christ through His Spirit. Our role is to be responsible to our people by being responsible for environments that help them take their next step in relationship. (For more on this thought, check this out)
What is your church-wide plan for making disciples?
A Review of Primal by Mark Batterson
I’m not real sure how I qualified for this, but Multnomah was looking for bloggers who would agree to read Mark’s latest book prior to it’s release and post a review on their blog. Let me also confirm that they sent me a free copy of his book if I agreed to do this and if my blog qualified. Somehow it qualified, so here goes the review.
Mark believes that it is time for another Reformation, and this book is a call to that Reformation. He believes that this new Reformation will be led by a generation instead of a Martin Luther. He believes that this Reformation will call us back to our roots as The Church, roots firmly planted in the Love of God. These roots will go deep into the catacombs of Rome where out of fear of death people gathered in order to worship together as the Body of Christ.
Mark believes that these roots will draw deeply from the command of Jesus to Love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and he explores what it means to do that through exploring with simple yet intricate details how our bodies work, how our planet works, and how our universe works. If you are not drawn to worship through the facts that Mark exposes about us, then I wonder if you’ve forgotten how to be in wonder. Hopefully, this book might call you back to childlike wonder, compassion, and curiosity.
If you think that you might be called to such a thing, then pick up a copy of this book.
Some favorite quotes:
“And when people think analytically, it can hinder their ability to act compassionately.”
“Sometimes our minds interfere with our hearts.”
“The bottom line is this: your focus determines your reality.”
De-skunk your dog, and other small group lessons.
As our small group was shutting down for the night we visited with our overworked and under appreciated friend who happens to be doing an internship here in Horse Country, Nicole Fawns. I let out our Cairn Terrier one last time before putting her to bed and I went to let Nicole out and Daisi in.
Well, let’s just say it was a good thing those two things happened at the same time because Daisi came in with her tail between her legs smelling like…well SKUNK. I shewed her to the garage and Nicole gave us the formula for De-skunking the dog. Here it is for all of you who run into the same situation.
- 1 quart of Hydrogen Peroxide
- 1 tsp liquid soap
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- Wet dog with water
- Mix Up ingredients
- Pour on dog, being careful around eyes
- Let sit 5-10 minutes.
- Wash out.
Now how is that for a great reason to keep your small group open to anyone and everyone. Nicole is single, and our group is all couples. She’s from the West Coast and we’re all East Coast or Mid-Westerners. She’s in her 20’s and two of us are approaching 40s. There is no reason to have her in our group, right? WRONG!
While she’s more busy than any of us and misses many a small group gathering it’s a place for her to get connected, and we love having her around.
Funny how God knew we’d need her expertese.
Keep your small group open! You never know when you might need a de-skunking formula. After all it’s not about you.