Transformation

I told you about a book I read by Bob Roberts Jr in my last post. Let me tell you about another book he has written titled: Transformation. It is an interesting look at an ancient topic…transformation. He gives the idea of transformation some new language called “T-life” and “T-world”.

In the beginning of the book he poses some challenging questions like: “Why are we growing churches apart from transformation?” And, “When will Jesus be enough?” He says the following on page 82, “If we are not convinced God has given us enough, we will have an incessant need for others to affirm us. We will want others to give us praise, we will crave money, and we will wish to be viewed as the best, the most talented, and the most likely to succeed…Why? Because they look for what others have to offer to make them feel significant instead of finding their identity in Christ.”

T-life consists of three components that I am to pursue as a follower of Christ: Transparent Connections (relationships), Glocal Impact (service locally and globally), and Interactive Relationship (connection to God).

T-world consists of three components that I am to contribute to as part of a community of faith: Community Development, Church Multiplication, and Nation Building.

These six components make up a transformed life. I appreciate the way he connects transformation with more than personal habits that could easily make transformation all about me. Instead, he links transformation to a life of making a difference in the world. Good stuff and reaffirming at points and challenging in others. What God is doing through Mr. Roberts is both a faith builder and encouraging at the same time.

The Multiplying Church

Bob Roberts Jr. wrote a book with the name: The Multiplying Church. To be honest the book is challenging me on several fronts. One, the local church exists to serve the world. Somehow, the idea that we exist to serve the world rather than a few counties in southwest Michigan hit me in a new way. The idea that Living Waters can serve the world seems like a smaller idea than it has previously. Two, The plan that was laid out in Acts 1 that lays out the idea that there are concentric circles of influence that radiate outward. I was taught work the first circle and then move to the next circle and so on. Bob challenges that idea and says we should be concerned and active in all three circles at once. Three, you do not have to be a large church to multiply you need a desire, a plan and commit to it. Bob ought to know through his leadership the folks at Northwood Church have planted over 100 churches both here in the States and around the world.