Before we can make a difference as a discipleship of Jesus Christ we must be in the process of spiritual transformation. Spiritual transformation is a process of change that requires continuous focus and attention.
The New Testament is filled with illustrations: Romans 12:2 says Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. As a process of change, spiritual transformation requires continuous focus and attention. II Corinthians 5:17 says therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Spiritual transformation is about changing from the old to the new. Philippians 3:13 says Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead. Spiritual transformation is about changing from the past to the future; and Romans 6:11-13 says So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ. Spiritual transformation is about changing from death to life.*
And spiritual transformation takes time. When the apostle Paul said if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, old things have passed away, and look, new things have come (II Corinthians 5:17, HCSB) he understood this as a life long experience. Obviously not everyone who claims to have been spiritually transformed is actually making a difference.
In Growing Disciples author George Barna’s research provides us with some possible barriers to effective disciple making (used by permission):
- No clear/measurable definition of success
- Focus more on knowledge than character
- Teaching more random than systematic
- Emphasis on program and efficiency more than on people and transformation
- Little or no accountability for spiritual growth
- Church Leaders aren’t equipped for task and as a result are not passionate about making disciples.
- No intentional approach to develop Children as true disciples
- Church’s best leaders often diverted to other ministries
To see Barna’s list Characteristics of Churches Effective in Disciple Making go to http://www.barna.org.
If we are to become more effective at reproducing disciples who can make a difference in our culture, church leaders need to consider different strategies for effectively making disciples. A course correction may be needed. After all, if being a disciple requires spiritual transformation, any difference made will come as a result of change.
Some Helpful Resources
Growing Discipleship by George Barna, Barna Research Group
Developing Children into Spiritual Champions, Regal Books
Growing Spiritual Redwoods by Bill Easum and Tom Bandy, Abingdon Press
Choose the Life by Bill Hull, Baker Books
Organic Church by Neil Cole, Josey Bass Publishers
Some Helpful Web Sites
http://www.barna.org
http://easumbandy.com/
http://www.transformingsolutions.org
http://www.christianitytoday.com
http://www.lifeway.com/discipleship
*Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
