This weekend the church celebrated "Reformation". History has chronicled the factual, observable indications of the reformation. Throughout October we studied about the various aspects of how the Holy Spirit prompted a German monk named Martin Luther to write and post documents that worked as a catalyst for change in the church. These changes, of course, have echoed now for almost 500 years!
Tonight I want to focus on the ongoing process of reformation. How does that same Holy Spirit that nudged Martin Luther speak to each of us today? Where can we see the ourselves and our ministry being reformed or renewed?
Faith formation, and "re-formation" are lifelong processes. The foundation of our faith is constant, but the way our faith is expressed or made known to others is always being reshaped.
As you were claimed at the moment of baptism as one of God's children, you were infused with the character and the gifts that would enable you to accomplish what God intends for you. In that moment the foundation of all you would ever do in Christ's name was established. Then you began to grow "in Christ." As you lived and moved in the world, you were formed, and as the sin of the world bumped up against any sin residing in you, you may have moved (slightly, or in some cases, dramatically) from living, thinking and relating to others in ways that serve Christ's Mission.
Say, for example, that you have been blessed with the gift of teaching. Say, too, that a series of life's events have moved you away from the passion to use that gift to serve others. Sometimes an institution disappoints us. Sometimes our own poor choices obscure the vigor and vitality with which we can use our gifts. Sometimes we serve with little regard for responsible, balanced stewardship of our gifts, and we begin to see ourselves literally hanging on by some thread. The outward sign is that we experience little or no joy, and we experience variations of generosity when we are contemplating how we are to respond to a call to serve. We may serve under duress. Or we may dismiss the invitation: "I've been there and done that....now it is someone else's turn!"
These are specific examples of what it looks like when the disciple is ripe for renewal and re-formation.
By taking sincere, intentional time in the presence of God, who is the source of the gift of teaching (or giving, or mercy, or compassion, or whatever gift you embody)healing and re-direction can occur. Obstructions can be removed, resistance can be softened, and the places where your gift meets some need in the world can be seen with greater energy and clarity. You may discover a surprising path opening before you that had never crossed your limited vision. In other words, you may find yourself reformed --even transformed. Your sure foundation in Christ may suddenly empower you to serve in amazing and miraculous ways.
We are always to be maturing in faith, always becoming more Christ-like, and that can only happen through the continuous process of formation. You have been formed and molded by the God who knows you better than you know yourself. God knows more about the highs and lows, the kyries and glorias of your ministry than you do.
What might happen if you consent to a re-formation of your ministry?
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