Transformational - thoughts by Char Leone
It is helpful for me to think of the process of transformation happening as God moves us along a journey of faith that matters deeply to God and to ourselves, our families and neighbors, community and world, so that we can believe confidently that Christ makes a difference. A reflective and examined faith in which transformation is at work through the Holy Spirit is ready to answer the question of “why am I a Christian?” and is preparation for acting, serving, and living in Christ-centered ways for God’s purposes.
Growing closer to Christ and trusting in God’s promises puts us each on a path of discipleship in a context of community. Our paths foster transformation differently in each of us as various events, situations, changes, significant loss, life stage transitions, service and cross-cultural opportunities, all present questions of faith and God’s activity in emotional, thoughtful, and demanding ways. Discipleship is a humbling servant enterprise in which we are learning how to let God help, learning how to follow Christ, and learning to receive so that we are empowered to give and to be leaders among imperfect people and imperfect ministries on Christ’s behalf.
Many Christian educators have become familiar with the 2005 National Study of Youth & Religion (NSYR) by Smith & Denton. Basic findings show that many Christian people do not know how to integrate faith in their daily lives and for many religious faith operates in the background, a non-important or non-influential aspect of living. That is the current reality. Transformational ministry and leadership holds up a vision of a new reality.
St. Paul says in Romans 12:2, “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—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This reminds us that faith is dynamic as change happens around us in our worlds big and small, near and far. Transformational change takes place inside, in hearts and minds, and is a dynamic that educational ministries can help to foster as we lean toward understanding and meaning. We can also create experiences and contexts that intentionally help to shift our vision toward seeing things through the eyes of Christ. As we do education may play a role in preparation as well as reflection.
What follows are some beginning questions congregations may ask themselves as they effectively implement educational and faith formation programs that are transformational.
Are ministry programs focused on changing the way people live out their lives or on rote memorization and head knowledge? Do we encourage independent thinking and questioning? Consider starting the planning process with the question, “How do we expect this to be transformational for the participants?” What leadership are we providing? Is there space for caring conversations? For spiritual guidance? How can people share their stories in safety and trust? What reflective processes are to be put in place? How are worship and the sacraments incorporated into the experience? Or, how is the experience incorporated into worship?
Are educational programs offering instructions and encouragement and settings for learning practices of faith? Are families being taught and equipped for faith nurture through prayer, Bible reading, faith rituals, and caring spiritual conversations in their homes? Are we teaching practices such as Lectio Divina? Are Sunday morning education programs totally separated from the life of worship or integrated or linked in some way, such as children coming from Sunday school classes to participate in communion? Are relational skills emphasized for teachers? How are we training mentors and guides? How are people brought into a process of wondering and questioning beyond the surface? Are we encouraging a thinking climate where theological questions are explored and discussed in relevant ways?