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Why Spiritual Formation? Because It's Normal!
Bill Hybels
I cannot imagine a small group or team in our church where spiritual growth is optional. If you took each member aside and asked them, “Is spiritual growth important?” they’d say, “Sure!” But then ask some follow up questions and the conversation comes to a screeching halt, or at least slows down dramatically as the person’s answer begins sliding along the slippery group life highway.
As church leaders we remain convinced that people find hope and strength for their journey when they gather regularly with a group for mutual support and wisdom. But it is no secret that they are seeking so much more. Inwardly they wonder whether real, lasting change is possible or if a group experience will play a role in their progress toward Christ-centered living.
I’m talking about your group and my group here. Is it possible? And if so, how does it happen? How do we know it is happening? What role do group leaders play in this grand communal kingdom adventure?
Yes, publicly we are quick to declare that intentional, relational community is essential for life-change. But privately many fearfully wonder, “Can our group actually produce disciples? Can we become radically transformed human beings who are nuts about Jesus, instead of just nuts?”
Let’s be honest. We expect John Ortberg’s group to change. And we’re certain that a few weeks with Dallas Willard will take us just a few feet from the throne-room of heaven. And is there really any doubt that if we worked with Richard Foster and the Renovare team we would experience non-stop spiritual growth, upward and to the right, 24/7, every week of every year? That’s what we believe, right? For THEM it is possible. But not for US. THEY are Transformational Titans and WE are Spiritual Slugs.
Don’t you believe it. Not for one minute. They are not super saints. (Trust me. I have seen Ortberg sweat. And once I heard him say a bad word in public.)
All kidding aside, what attracts us to such people is that they are pursuing a life of devotion, seeking to make themselves available to the transforming grace of God in every part of their lives. But in this they are neither unique nor specially equipped. But they (and many others around the globe) are doing something. And it is something we can all do. It’s normal. And it is normal to need others to pursue lasting change. It is what the church is supposed to do and be.
Todd Hunter puts it this way, regarding the church and the gospel. “We are cooperative friends with Jesus, living in creative goodness, for the sake of others, in the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Christianity Beyond Belief
Thankfully we had guides throughout the ages who have experienced this kind of life. And apart from a few mystics called to a more solitary way of prayer and life, they will all tell you that intentional group life – communal living in Jesus – is a major contributor to lasting progress and permanent change.
Such change is both the opportunity and possibility for every Christ-follower. And it is the potential for every group – to become a catalytic, change-oriented community of people in hot pursuit of the Jesus Way of life.
So this fall we are focusing on such change. We will discover what real transformation looks like, for ordinary people, meeting in average small groups, led by reluctant leaders, yet fueled by the transforming grace of God and empowered by His Spirit. It is a messy process, this community thing. And it takes effort. But the Church—this ragtag group of spiritual misfits—is called to live in a community of oneness for the sake of others. And I, for one, am eager to learn more about how to enter this community with honesty, humility, and skill.
I really need it. And so do you. And so do all the “spiritual giants” who have gone before us and guide us today. We are trusting that God will use this event to spur us onward. And we hope you will join the revolution, and make change normal again.
This article was written by Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.
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