The Problem with Transformation

One of the big differences between a catholic/sacramental view of conversion, and other Christian theologies of conversion, is an understanding of who is actually doing the converting. A sacramental view of conversion insists that all conversion starts with God…NOT us. Only God through the work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit can convert, i.e., transform a person’s heart to follow Jesus, and, yet, each person must desire, pursue, and receive this gift of salvation if it is going to be legitimate and authentic for them. Thus, the sacramental does not negate the volitional (choice of will).

I repeatedly stated as I candidated here at St. Matthew’s in February 2021, that it is my strong belief that the decline in the American church (across denominational lines) is largely not a “technique” or “methodological” problem (and this includes conflict management acumen and ministry programming of any kind); what we have is a “character problem”. We are largely much more interested in what works than what is true. So often in our churches, Jesus doesn’t direct and define our lives; we fit Him into ours. Jesus modeled the centrality of personal sacrifice, forgiveness, and unconditional love; he was courageous and stood against evil and those who wished the church and others harm. Jesus didn’t have an easy ministry; the things He did and calls us to do aren't often easy, either.

So how can we foster a community that opens its heart to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? The faithful are called to obey and use the teachings of Jesus Christ to discern some of His most prominent rivals on the American landscape: personal feelings, life experiences, and preferential opinions – whether they be ours or those to whom we desire to bring happiness. These potential masters call for our worship and priority in decision making, but for the thoughtful and teachable disciples of Jesus, they are only discerned or engaged through the lenses of the Gospel and the teachings of the Kingdom of God. Whose lenses do we start with?

We can transform…no one. We can fix…no one. We can change…no one. We can love…everyone. But loving people does not mean enabling and supporting clearly disobedient behavior repeatedly taught as destructive in Holy Scripture. WHO and what “truth” we follow will either pave a way for life and growth in our church, or it will rut and wash out any way forward.

Chickens are coming home to roost in American parishes across our land, so, how will we be different? The broader, disengaged, and non-confrontational approaches of modern moralistic institutionalism would struggle with the ministry of Jesus (just like they did at the time of Christ). Can the ways of Jesus truly be trusted? What does it “look like” for the Church of St. Matthew’s to be obedient and faithful to Christ, thus, welcoming Jesus as the Lord of the Church? Are His ways worth following?

I say yes. What say you?