As church planters we need to see that our role in the spiritual formation of others begins BEFORE they become followers of Jesus. They are seekers, curious, and willing to be in a relationship with us and our church. That's when the spiritual formation process begins - when they are willing to be in an ongoing relationship with us (e.g. once assimilated - see post on Oct 28th!) The process we design should effectively take them from this starting point to a maturing disciple of Jesus (see post on Nov 10th) who is reproducing and living a life on mission.
Most established churches do not have a well developed system such as this!
I have deep admiration for Willow Creek who recently wrote about their challenges in this regard in the book Reveal by Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson. Few churches seem to be willing to be honest about this issue. Thank you Willow!
My experience has been that spiritual formation typically takes place for a spiritual seeker when 3 factors come together:
- The seeker experiences a meaningful (encouraging) relationship with one or more Christ-followers that leads to internal processing and accountability.
- The seeker pursues an interactive relationship with God through His Word, prayer, spiritual disciplines, etc.
- The seeker engages their natural talents/abilities in service to others to accomplish God's kingdom purposes.
On one hand this is very simple. On the other hand it may be totally new to think that this process can begin with a pre-Christian. We make a grave mistake compartmentalizing evangelism and discipleship. I see it as all one journey. These 3 things do not all happen at once. Many times a person will experience rebirth before experiencing all 3. But don't be afraid to bring seekers along side with you to just "do life" with you as you do it!
A very good resource and story can be found in Bob Roberts' book Transformation. Think about the T-Life Model that he has developed at his church.
Now your challenge is to think through all the steps that need to take place between assimilation (connected in relationships) and mature disciple. Keep it simple, but design experiences (not just classes) for people to plug in that challenges them to the next step. Finally, measure everything! A good coach will help you design, implement, and measure the effectiveness of your system! IT'S A MUST!
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1 comment:
The Reveal study did show some significant insights. One being the level of discontent in the Christ-centered section. Another of the key insights of the study was the key importance of the spiritual disciplines for continual growth. A study by Michael Zigarelli in 2000 showed the same. I have heard some who immediately go to scripture reading and prayer as the answer. Yet, Dallas Willard wrote over 20 years ago already that the standard answers we pastors have given (scripture reading, prayer, church attendance, financial giving and serving)for spiritual growth have not produced the kind of people we want to be. They are needed, but much more too is needed. There are 40, 60, 80+ different disciplines--not just 2, 3 or 4--a deep well from which people can draw. People need to find the discipline(s) that most speak to their uniqueness in their own unique season.
I have heard some who have zeroed in on a few comments in Reveal about people becoming independent growers. Yet, I suspect that many still will not get to what they need. And the church will still have discontent Christ-cenered ones.
I like better a concept that is mentioned once in the book about an interdependent relationship between congregation and the further maturing ones in that church.
Hopefully church leaders will look beyond the tired old answers which have provided little to know lasting change.
There is hope.
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