Originally printed in the Winter 2004 issue of
 Recognition of 'Transformation Churches' Puts Theory into Practice
The General Presbytery, meeting on August 9-11, 2004, accepted a proposal from the Vision for Transformation Committee that a system of recognition be established for churches that enthusiastically embrace transformation principles.
As Vision for Transformation philosophy and practice take root across the Assemblies of God, the Fellowship plans to recognize these churches as a means of identifying concrete embodiments of transformation theory.
"This puts flesh on the concept of transformation," says Randall K. Barton, VFT Committee member and CEO of A/G Financial. "We've identified five key areas that represent a balanced New Testament Pentecostal church, and nominated churches would need to be active in each of these areas."
Nominations for "Transformation Churches" will be solicited according to the following guidelines:
- The church is committed to discipleship, the diligent and intentional teaching and practices that promote Christlike living and the reproduction of that life in others. Discipleship tools to be evaluated include elements such as Sunday School, small groups, age-group ministries, ministry training, mentoring programs, lay-ministry development, an integrated mission statement, and a commitment to Pentecostal distinctives.
- The church actively promotes worship through music, praise, and creative arts, and empowers prayer through opportunities for daily personal prayer, family prayer, and corporate prayer meetings.
- The church is involved in both local and world evangelism as evidenced by conversions, water baptisms, Spirit baptisms, sustained growth, ethnic and cultural diversity, church planting, missions support, and laity involvement in missions ministry.
- The church is characterized by compassion with a reputation for giving to anyone in need and sharing material resources generously within the church itself, toward the surrounding community and with support to broader benevolence and compassion outreaches across the country and internationally.
- The church nurtures fellowship among its members and visitors and with other churches within the Fellowship and across denominational lines.
All of the principles are exemplified in Scripture (Acts 2:42-47) and played out in the everyday ministries of Assemblies of God churches across the nation. The nomination process is an opportunity for local churches to be encouraged in ministries to which they are already committed. The intent is to make this a peer recognition program while raising a standard and model that is both balanced and cutting edge for churches to consider.
"We have many churches that are truly 'transformational,'" says former General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask. "The lost are being saved. People are being baptized in the Holy Spirit. Missions and church planting are priorities, and discipleship and worship are woven into the fabric of the church. And we want other churches to hear what God is doing through these congregations."
"Our churches are the backbone of our missions outreaches across the United States and in nations around the world," says Charles Hackett, executive director of U.S. Missions, concerning the third point. "Anytime we can point out a congregation as an example of how missions can be more fully supported, it serves as a guidepost for other churches in their own ministry growth."
"The first one or two rounds of nominees will be considered by the Vision for Transformation Committee," Barton says. "Thereafter, we anticipate that the pastors of the transformation churches honored by the committee would receive future nominations and pick additional transformation churches."
The nomination process will allow national leaders, district officials, and the grass roots to nominate churches that exemplify an outstanding balance of Pentecostal ministry. |
