Step 4. Shape a transformative community (not just a caring one)

There is no way I want the latest trend in churches to be formation – the next thing after church growth, seeker friendliness, church health, etc. There is a great deal of writing on this subject at present; it just may be that we are starting to see God’s agenda for the post-Christendom Church. But this is not about trends for churches; it is about having our theology govern us. This century evangelical theology is being re-shaped, and along with it how we train people for ministry and how we ‘do church’. This time is a watershed in our history and God is doing a new thing. I believe theology belongs in the church, so here’s a very brief, practical theology of formation.

It has traditionally been called sanctification, the theology of the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer, separating us for the work of Christ and for the process of becoming like him. The key texts are Rom 5-8, Gal 5-6, Col 1:1-17, 2 Pet 1 etc. But we need to teach and model the effort needed on our part for the power of God’s grace, by His Spirit, to transform our hearts. I have found people struggle with grace and effort, but a passage like Titus 2:11-14 supports Willard’s insight that grace is not opposed to effort but to earning. Self-discipline, regular spiritual exercise, is the key for us to teach and model.

As we teach these texts, we could provide a vision for people of what they would be like if they could automatically do what Jesus would do, rather than having to stop and think ‘WWJD’. Paint a picture for people of involuntary obedience and the fruit of the Spirit. Motivation starts with a personal vision, a glimpse of me, thinking, relating, behaving as if Jesus was me. When you read Willard, you discover his formula for teaching formation: Vision, Intention, Means. The means is spiritual disciplines, or what I prefer to call healthy spiritual habits. They are very similar to, and more necessary than, the regular exercises which we include in our physical diet and lifestyle. People do not get the value of spiritual self-discipline unless they have a vision and motivation.

They also need encouragement and support – transformation happens best in community.

Whatever expression of church you favour the goal is life change and that means formation is the focus. Forming the character of Christ within each of us must be the purpose of a local community of God’s people. This means a significant shift is probably required, to become a transformative community. There are a number of things churches do really well – building a caring community and a sense of belonging is one of them.

When we place people in nurturing small groups, the level of care will hopefully bring others into the life of the group. Some of us have moved to ‘connect’ groups, to re-engage the members in outreach, as well as praying and supporting each other. Whatever structure you have, it needs to facilitate formation. The focus for your church, in both celebration and cell, needs to be providing a structure that enables people to intentionally engage in a journey of transformation. That’s why community needs to be a safe place – not a safe place to hear a dangerous message, so much as a place safe enough to develop trust, and to be authentic and accountable. They are the keys to formative community.