How Does Spiritual Transformation Take Place?

This is a recent post I developed for a seminary-level class I am taking. It seemed to provoke a lot of discussion, so I've reprinted it here. If you're reading this blog, I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this topic! (Even if you post as "anonymous", but getting a blogger account is very simple so I recommend you create a name for yourself!)

In regards to the question, "How does spiritual transformation take place?", I like to think of it three separate arenas. First, transformation takes place on a personal level- each individual knowing God and knowing themselves, and then making conscious and daily decisions to follow God rather than themselves. This happens in a variety of ways, including but not limited to Scripture reading, prayer, meditation, silence, reflection, and the spiritual disciplines. Secondly, transformation occurs in small communities. A small community could be a small group or it could be a one on one prayer partnership. In this setting, life is lived out, accountability takes place, and mutual encouragement and support is given. The final arena is the large group community. This could be a worship service, a seminar or conference, or a regional prayer gathering. In this setting, the believer draws together with the body of Christ and participates in the life of the body in ways not possible in smaller gatherings.

I know that many may disagree, but I feel that as a whole, the body of Christ does best at the large group gathering. As the mega-church explosion has put on display, we can put on a good show. And I use that term positively. I think it is wonderful to have a "show" that is filled with powerful worship, relevant messages brought by a gifted speaker, and the visual arts utilized in a way that causes us to remember what we're experiencing. I can point back to numerous "large community" events in my past that have shaped who I am and served as pivotal points of decision-making. Even the smaller churches in our culture are doing better and better at gathering people in relevant ways and giving them a high-point experience to keep them focused on what really matters.

As I mentioned, I have no problem with a great show or a high-point experience, as long as it is backed up with the other two arenas of transformation. Honestly, I feel that for the most part, these are the areas in which the church still has a lot of work to do. I know that small groups have exploded, and these groups can and will accomplish great things in people's lives. Unfortunately, I feel that we're sending the message that this is the only way discipleship can occur outside of the large group gathering. In essence, small groups have become the "program" of the un-programmed church. We tell people that this is where they will experience care and compassion from our church. But what if they don't fit our mold? What if they work nights and can't make it to a single small group offered? What if they do better with a group of three or four close friends than with a group of 8 or 10 acquaintances? Does that make them a poor Christian? Sometimes this is the message we send.

I also think the church has lost touch with how to motivate people to Christ-likeness in their personal walk. It seems that many believers now have a very limited understanding of what it means to abide in Christ- to walk daily with Him and allow him to shape our world. I don't know- maybe I'm wrong on this, but I hear myself giving practical application each week for how to be "more like Christ", but in my heart of hearts what I know people need more than anything is to pray, read their Bible, and walk with Christ all day long. How many times can you say that in a sermon before people respond, "yeah, yeah, we know that, but tell me something else I can do!" We're eager for catchy application when the foundations of a solid faith- prayer and Scripture reading- are rarely practiced in a meaningful way.

Thoughts?

Journey on, friend.