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When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:11-13

(Living Translation)

Announcements• Next week we will meet on the 3rd floor of

the “old” education building – 1st door on the right.

• This will be our location for a couple of months.

Segue from Romans• The book of Romans was addressed to a church

and the individuals that made up the church.• Was the church at Rome perfect?• Was it effective? Could it have been more

effective?• Based on our study, what did we learn that a

healthy church looked like?

Characteristics of a Healthy Church

• Unified & At Peace – vertical and horizontal• Missional – carries the gospel to the world• Charitable – cares for the needy and sick and

supports the kingdom mission• Worshipful – responds to God as one worthy of

praise• Encourages Transformational Living - ?

Transformational Church"Transformational churches make disciples whose lives are being transformed by the gospel, so that people engage the culture around them for its ultimate transformation. Deeply committed to the essential foundations of discipleship (worship, community, and mission), transformational churches practice their faith and make disciples through vibrant leadership, prayerful dependence upon God, and relational intentionality. And they do so paying mind to their unique context and with a missionary mindset."

Success

• Scorecard 1– Bodies– Budget– Buildings

• Scorecard 2– Accountability– Discipleship– Spiritual Maturity

• How do we measure a “successful” church?

Success

The long term “success” of our church will be determined by the effectiveness of our discipleship

A New Scorecard

Our Approach• 7 Part Transformational Church Study –

based on a Lifeway sponsored research project and book Transformational Church

• Use information learned to devise a strategy for our church &/or target age group

Next Week

The Transformational Church – Part 1




Announcements• This will be our location for a couple of

months.

Ramp-Up• Is Transformation in the church “normal”?– Read 2 Cor. 3:18– Too often it may be the exception vs. the rule.

• The goal of a Transformational Church is to make disciples, and nothing will deter them from this task.

• Too often the church has become a symbol of gathering for one another rather than scattering for the sake of others.

Transformational Church"Transformational churches make disciples whose lives are being transformed by the gospel, so that people engage the culture around them for its ultimate transformation. Deeply committed to the essential foundations of discipleship (worship, community, and mission), transformational churches practice their faith and make disciples through vibrant leadership, prayerful dependence upon God, and relational intentionality. And they do so paying mind to their unique context and with a missionary mindset."

From Ancient to Modern Times• A small group of Jews were returning to

Jerusalem after being held captive in Assyria and then Babylon for 70 years.

• As they crested the last hill and laid eyes on the ruins of the temple which once was the very place where God dwelt, they needed a new vision for the future.

• God has a plan for our future!

Renewal Principles• Transformation begins with God

– The purity of gold and the emanating light represent God the Father.

– The lampstand reveals oil flowing to 7 (biblical number for completeness) different lights.

– Oil is symbolic of God the Holy Spirit• Where did the vision come from?• Principle: There can be no renewal, revival, or rebuilding

without a vision for and an experience of the all-consuming, all-illuminating presence of God.

Renewal Principles• To Zerub. “Not by strength or might . . . but by my spirit” v6• The work can only be done by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts• Leaders must leave their willpower behind (huh?)• The work of a TC is not about us and/or our abilities.• We must (re)learn to rely more on God’s empowered mission than the

personal preferences of the congregation.• When God’s people are willing to face the stark reality that their will

power brings no hope, they are in a proper position to be empowered by God.

• Principle: God is present and ready to do a great work in the life of His people

Renewal Principles• “the mountain ... will become level ground” v7• TCs press on in faith, crazily trusting that when God said a

mustard seed faith could move mountains, He meant it.• TCs believe in God more than they worry about mountains.

It’s not denial of the mountain. God will remove and replace them with His presence

• TCs celebrate past “mountain removals” but focus on getting through the “mountains” of today or tomorrow.

• Principle: God is bigger and more powerful than any obstacle or challenge.

Renewal Principles• God directed Zerub. to rebuild the temple by divine

power which was granted to him.• As church leaders of today, God is just as present with

you. You are not building a physical temple, but you do have a divine mission.

• TCs are moving beyond “programs” and into His harvest fields. When God directs the work, people take notice.

• Principle: When God rebuilds His “house”, people will know undeniably that it is the work of God.

Principle Review• There can be no renewal, revival, or rebuilding without

a vision for and an experience of the all-consuming, all-illuminating presence of God.

• God is present and ready to do a great work in the life of His people

• God is bigger and more powerful than any obstacle or challenge

• When God rebuilds His “house”, people will know undeniably that it is the work of God.

Next Week

The Transformational Loop




Announcements• ?

Ramp-Up• Week 1 – Intro– Characteristics of a healthy church– Definition of a Transformational Church– Value of assessments (i.e. “scorecards”)

• Week 2 - Hope for Transformation– Inspiration to persevere against great odds; i.e. the

story of Zerubbabel and the Israelites from Zechariah 4• Week 3 – Change the Scorecard

Change the Scorecard• A house of any kind, physical or spiritual, begins with

a dream and then requires a blueprint.• The “blueprint” suggested in this study is the

Transformational Loop• Measurements are important but some are more

important than others• One of the most important measurements is ensuring

that men and women are being changed by the power of the gospel.

Discern

Engage Embrace

TC Churches• Actively seek to understand their

community• Move from number crunching to spiritual

discernment; i.e. discerning your context• Moves believer from observation to action• Moves to an external focus; i.e. missions

as a way of life.• Element: Missionary Mentality

Discern

TC Churches• Exhibit vibrant as opposed to positional

leadership• Move believers into places of effective leadership

for the mission• Helps Christians deliberately connect with one

another• Need to connect with God in prayer was evident

and motivated by mission rather than selfish need• Elements: Leadership, Prayer, Relational

Intentionality

Embrace

TC Churches• When people arrive for worship, they

knew something great was going to happen

• Create systems to put people in community with each other

• Not a place with a set number of programs but places that know how to prioritize their activities

Engage

“Loop” Principles• There is no one starting point to enter• The Loop appears as a continuous cycle without

a starting point• All three categories and all seven elements are

necessary parts for a church to engage in transformational ministry.

• One must allow the elements to flow together; i.e. common convergence of elements

Discern

Engage Embrace

Next Week

Missionary Mentality




Announcements• ?

Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-UpTo the weak I became weak, in order to win

the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. Now I do all this because of the

gospel, that I may become a partner in its benefits.

(1 Corinthians 9:22-23)

Ramp-Up

A genuine missional impulse is a sending rather than an attractional one.

Missionary Mentality• Your ministry assignment has delivered you to a

place. What does God want you to do?• A critical mindset shift toward a more

missionary mentality is from the idea that people have stories to people are stories.

• Sadly, Christian leaders are often more in love with they way they do church than they are in love with people in the community.

Missionary Mentality• TCs are characterized by a missionary

mentality:– They know their context– They know their community– They know the stories of people in their

community– So they are able to clearly present the claims

and power of Jesus to their community

Are We Really “Missional”• Some people have only discovered personal

dimensions of missions• There has been a shift from global evangelization

(“missions”) to societal transformation (“mission”).• Many are focused on being good news rather

than telling good news.• Many lose the context of the church’s global

mission and needed global presence

God’s Mission ?

The Great Commission provides the what of mission while the

Great Commandment provides the how.

Next Week

Vibrant Leadership




Announcements• ?

Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-Up

Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give

His life – a ransom for many.”(Matthew 20:27-28)

Clarification

We are not here today to judge how our staff is doing. The term “leader” in the context of today’s discussion refers potentially to all of

us! We’re here to learn how we can contribute and support church leadership.

What is a “leader”?

What is a “T” Leader• Focused outside of the leader’s world.• Missional in perspective and action

oriented in decisions.• Multiplies and scatters leaders around the

world.• Focus of passion is for lost people not

bigger churches.

Shift in Thinking• From one to many leaders• From “me” to “we”• From personal power to people

empowerment• From church to kingdom of God

Jesus, Leading Transformation1. Invested in people2. Saw long and far3. Sent people away from Him on mission4. Grieved for communities5. Led a balanced life6. Embraced other cultures7. Gave up His will8. Surrounded Himself with lost people9. Harvest vision was leveraged by prayer10. Felt the needs of people

By the Numbers• “Our church leadership makes sacrifices for

the direction God has given our church” (8%))• Members in TCs, compared to members in

other churches, were keenly aware of the vision of the church. (69%)

• Our church has a system in place to raise up future leaders. (53%)

Summary of Principles• TCs are led by transformational leaders who are being

transformed in the presence of the people they lead.• TCs have leaders who understand their vision and

purpose.• TC leaders let God shape their churches and is based on

the core belief that God has sent each of us on a mission.• TC leaders actively seek to expand influence rather than

hold it for themselves.• TC leaders push people outward

“God is not calling leaders to be great. He is calling leaders to become platforms on

which God displays His greatness.”




Announcements• ?

Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-Up“For I want very much to see you, that I may

impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually

encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

(Romans 1:11-12)

How does a church promote relationships?

Ramp-Up“I believe the biggest reason Christians in general

experience so little transformation in their lives is that they ignore the Bible’s relational mandate for how to

effect change. We were never meant to live the Christian life alone. Christianity is an interdependent, community-oriented faith. And yet when we set out to improve our prayer life, or deal with anger problems, or increase our income, or become a better father; most of the time we

work on it completely alone.”Tony Stoltzfus, Leadership Coaching

What is Relational Intentionality

• Relational – connecting people• Intentional – programs (i.e. activities)• So churches that connect people strike a balance

between activities and promoting relationships• Programs are not the goal but part of a bigger

picture of life change and mission• TCs move beyond sentimental friendliness

Relationally Intentional Environments

• Produce family• Practice 1on1 relationships• Provide space for “difficult” people• Have systems and processes– Relationships are not program driven but– Programs can be relationship driven– Attendance at all events do not make a person into a

mature disciple, church relationships are necessary for that to happen.

“Our job’s to love people; God’s job is to change them. If we step over into the

changing part, then we’re getting over on God’s side.”

Pastor John Stallings, Massillon Church of the Nazarene, Massillion, Ohio

Next Week

Prayerful Dependence




Announcements• ?

Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-Up

“I love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him as long

as I live.”(Psalm 116:1-2)

Is prayer a fulcrum to move God into action, or a response to God’s

work?

Ramp-Up

“I have discovered an astonishing truth. God is attracted to weakness. He can’t

resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.”

Jim Cymbala, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

What Makes Jesus Angry• Too many churches trust in their “stuff” and not their

Savior• Jesus was angry about the “misbehavior” of religious

people• Jesus was angry at the money-changers in the

temple– Jesus is angry when we misuse His assembly; i.e. not

praying & encouraging– Their “stuff” was set in the court of the Gentiles

Prayer Priorities of Jesus• The proper use of His house• The accessibility of “all people” to a

relationship with Him• The response to His praying people– God has chosen prayer to be a vehicle by which

He changes people and the world– Praying in His will with the right heart will make a

difference in the affairs of the world.

Transformational Prayer Practices

• Praying churches experience breakthroughs• Praying churches have praying leaders• Praying churches commonly experience answers to prayer• Praying churches pray for members by name• Praying churches have systems and processes• Praying churches value corporate prayer• Praying churches engage their communities through prayer• Praying churches have big prayer events

Next Week

Worship: Actively Embrace Jesus




Announcements• ?

Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-Up

“For the Lord is great and is highly praised; He is feared above all gods.”

(1 Chronicles 16:25)

It’s Not About the Music!It’s Not About the

Eurphoric FeedingIt’s About the Savior!!

What is Worship• The human heart is designed to find something to hold in

highest esteem.• God deserves to be worshipped.• Worship is a core church activity that presents the truth of

who Jesus is and what He desires for the lives of people• TCs have a high confidence that lives will be impacted

through worship; i.e. it consistently presents the truth of who Jesus is and what he desires for the lives of people.

• Worship is the volitional act of our engaging and speaking publicly about the work of God

Reverence vs. Relevance• Worship is not music, but includes it.• When music is confused with worship, Satan wins.• Style does not determine the message of Christ.

Worship is a matter of the heart.• When worship becomes an issue of style instead of

heart, then there is a problem.• Current “worship wars” have 2 sides:– Relevance – tries to pull the church forward– Reverence – tries to push the church back

Reverence vs. Relevance• Reverence - 2 examples

– David – 2 Sam. 6:14– John – Rev. 1:17-18

• So which one is “better”?• God is to be revered. The way we worship Him does not

matter.• What reverence looks like differs from one culture to another.• Reverence is first an attitude of a heart, expressed and

informed by the culture of the worshipper.

Reverence vs. Relevance• Our challenge is to use the missionary mentality and

discern the heart language of the community. Musical choices must be appropriate to the context.

• No style of music is relevant to every culture in the world.• Relevant worship means that tomorrow that may change,

and we have the freedom to do that.• Music is the tool but will always change based on context.• The Bible does not give notes or melodies but instead

focuses on outcomes.

Summary• TCs– Find a way for people to avoid the debates

about place, style and method.– Focus on maximum participation / not

maximum “presentation”– Value participation over performance– Focus on purpose vs. style

“Measure your worship not at 11 o’clock on Sunday morning but at 8:30 on Monday

morning in the cubicles where your people go to work.”

Next Week

Community: Connect with People




Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-Up“For I want very much to see you, that I may

impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually

encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

(Romans 1:11-12)

The NA church has shifted from the NT, relationship-

driven community to a stage-driven community.

Value of Small Groups• Provides a greater opportunity for personal

discovery.• Are “communities”• Best way to genuine life change through

the local church

5 Myths about Smaller Communities

• Small-group configuration is permanent.• Locations are limited to church facilities or

member homes.• Facilitator must be highly trained spiritual

superstar.• Small-group organization must be complex.• Only pastors are qualified to administer pastoral

care.

5 Deliverables of Smaller Communities Deliver:

• Deeper friendships• Accountability relationships• Environments for spiritual growth• Maximum participation (as opposed to

spectators)• Missional opportunities

5 Obstacles Facing Trans. Small Groups

• Transference of information is valued much more than life transformation.

• Teaching is valued more than learning.• They become a reflection of best practices• A segmentation of the mission of God.• Lack of intimacy

5 Elements of a TC Small-Group Environment

• Mission Orientation• Word-driven mentality• Multiplication mindset• Stranger welcoming• Kingdom focused. Guard against drifting:– Toward small thinking and limits– Toward thinking it’s about me

SummaryTC Small Groups are:• Are diverse and predominantly lay driven• Some are study driven; others are

relational• Demonstrates significant life change and

fulfillment of God

“One clear principle emerges – biblical Christianity cannot be lived out through

larger-group experiences alone.”

Next Week

Mission: Show Jesus through Word and Action




Discern

Engage Embrace

Ramp-Up

“As the Father has sent me, so send I you.”(John 20:21)

“Good news and accompanying good deed are like the two wings of an airplane. Each is

incomplete without the other. Each complements the other. Each gives ‘life’ to the other. To study

the life and ministry of Jesus is to study a tapestry woven of good news and good deeds.”

Eric Swanson, The Externally Focused Church

Missionary Mindset• The modern age is not much different than the ancient

age; i.e. man’s nature.• So, how do you approach a hostile or disinterested

culture with the Gospel?– Patience and immersion are keys

• The desire to see people changed by the power of Christ should be higher than our desire to be comfortable.

• We are transitioning from the “come and see” evangelist method to the “go and tell” missionary method.

“The focus of a church with transformational practices is

on moving the mission forward, as opposed to

coddling immature believers.”

Missionary Church Characteristics

• Define Success– Lives transformed by the power of Christ

• Prepare– Evangelism– Opposition– Prayerful dependence– “Cross” Fit training

• Provide personal leadership to believers– Who will be this generation’s leaders?

• Move into the community

“TCs have moved their membership from the “pay, pray, and get out of the way”

mentality to a “go, tell, and show” obsession.

Next Week

Not the Final Word




Ramp-Up“Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by

flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

(Matthew 16:17-18)

The Foundation• The church is built upon a different foundation than we

often see in the modern church.• Culturally comprehensible ministry is important, but the

foundation is God’s revelation of Jesus as the Messiah.• Who builds the church?

– Members and leaders of TCs live convinced that God has put them together for the mission.

– They believe Christ is busy in their midst, building a church for His glory, the good of the city, for calling lost to salvation and the believer thriving in relationship to Him.

Discern

Engage Embrace

The Difference• Connection

– Find a starting point– It could be highlighting a strength or repenting of a sinful practice– Find where God is working and jump in

• Catharsis– Don’t wait for a “dramatic” event to move to action– Decide now is the time for change

• Convergence– When the Spirit is active in one part of the body, He is active in all parts

of the body.– Believers are interdependent on one another.

“Regrettably, it has become acceptable to sit in a church week after week and do nothing

but call yourself a follower of Christ.”

The Goal• We must work for nothing less than the church’s mission to

see people transformed to look like Christ, churches to act like the body of Christ, and communities changed to reflect the kingdom of God.

• The living goal of the church must be the living Christ alive in others.

• Using practical messages can help us share biblical truth, but ultimately our goal is that people leave with the truth, not just true stuff.

• The truth is the person of Jesus!

What’s Next

•History of SS•How we can incorporate what we’ve learned to have

impact in 30’s SS

Bible Based Life Skills• Finance• Parenting• Time Management• Ethics / Citizenship• Health & Fitness• Worship / Musical

Styles

• Media Technology for Churches

Class Structure• Teacher• Co-Teacher• Outreach Coordinator• Secretary

Documents

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