Rereading our last post raised some thoughts. The Church spends a great deal of time promoting “change” and “transformation.” These words seem to be helpful only when we are addressing other people. “You have to change and we are here to tell you how!” Hard words for anyone to hear! Perhaps it is time to abandon these concepts and redirect our energy.

Here are some reasons why “transformational ministries” may not be helpful.

1. They create a parent/child relationship between church leaders and congregants. This may start out well but as congregations mature, resentment will grow. The “teenagers” will rebel. Conflict will result. The “parent” will always demand respect; the “child” will reach a point that they feel they can never make the parent happy. Leadership will suffer.

2. While vision and mission statements might create the illusion of common goals there are deep-rooted and differing objectives which may not be expressed. Clergy set their sights on building a membership which can support a more stable budget. Bigger is better. Congregant interests are often more focussed on spiritual needs — both the needs of those they hold most dear and the broader community. Size and numbers aren’t as important. Both are working at change but with entirely different goals.

3. The movement started talking about transforming congregations but in recent years has shifted to closing congregations…perhaps with the idea of “resurrection”…perhaps not. This has clouded the motives of church leaders and created distrust.

4. Focussing on change draws attention from true mission. Marriages fail when one partner sets out to “fix” or “remake” their mate. This dynamic is also true in congregations. If a new pastor arrives hammering home a mission of change, the message of God’s love will be muted and trouble will result.

5. Change or transformation is an unending process. No one will ever be satisfied. Frustration is the only thing guaranteed! While it is part of ministry, focussing on it will be counterproductive.

6. Change will happen whether or not you focus on it. The attention should not be on “change” or “transformation” but on fostering the values and qualities which ensure that resulting change — which is inevitable — is desirable.

7. Focussing on change and transformation fosters an atmosphere of criticism which will shut out the gifts of the Spirit.

True change begins by accepting people where they are, just as Jesus accepted the woman at the well. What better words might the church focus on? How about “faith,” “hope,” “love,” “forgiveness,” and “charity.” These are truly “transforming” words!