Deep Transformation and Discipleship: Embracing God’s Call

As we look ahead to this year, I sense God calling us to a renewed focus on deep transformation—of lives, homes, and communities—through the good news of Jesus Christ. Our vision remains unchanged after 23 years: we exist to see people, families, and neighborhoods truly changed by Christ. Last November, we agreed to encourage, equip, and empower each person to minister from their unique gifts and passions, rather than simply filling roles in pre-existing ministries. The question we left with was: how do we actually do this?

Since then, I have become convinced that the way forward is a church-wide focus on discipleship. Rather than launching new ministries, we will continue with our current ones—youth, women’s, and homework support—unless God clearly calls someone to start something new. The heart of this approach is to create space for God to deeply transform us, so that ministry and outreach flow naturally from that transformation. This is not about numbers or programs, but about allowing God to prune and renew us, trusting that new growth and fruitfulness will follow, even if it means some discomfort or loss along the way.

To support this, I am exploring several discipleship resources: the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship course, which integrates love for God and others and aims to multiply deeply changed leaders; Practicing the Way, which reframes discipleship as apprenticeship to Jesus and offers a practical pathway for formation in today’s world; and a comprehensive approach to spiritual disciplines, inviting us to experiment with and practice a wide range of habits that shape us into Christlikeness. I am considering weaving these together into a year-long (or longer) journey for our church, making this the core of our teaching, preaching, and small group life.

This will require focus and commitment. I believe it is important to be single-minded, so that everyone is moving in the same direction. It may be challenging, but I trust that God is at work, pruning and preparing us for greater fruitfulness. I ask you to pray and discern with me—seeking God’s confirmation or correction—so that together we can move forward in unity and faithfulness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Deep transformation precedes effective ministry True, lasting ministry flows from lives that have been deeply changed by Christ. When we focus on our own transformation—allowing God to shape our hearts, minds, and habits—our service and outreach become authentic and Spirit-led, rather than driven by obligation or program. This is the soil in which fruitful ministry grows. [02:33]
• 2. Discipleship is a whole-church journey Discipleship is not just a program or a class, but a shared journey for the entire church. When every aspect of church life—teaching, small groups, and ministries—centers on following Jesus together, we create an environment where transformation is possible for all, not just a few. This unified focus helps us grow deeper and stronger as a community. [04:10]
• 3. Pruning leads to new growth God sometimes prunes us—removing what is unnecessary or unfruitful—not to diminish us, but to prepare us for greater fruitfulness. This process can be uncomfortable and may involve loss, but it is a sign of God’s loving care and His desire to bring about a harvest in and through us. Trusting God in seasons of pruning opens us to new possibilities and greater impact. [05:47]
• 4. Spiritual practices shape our formation Engaging with spiritual disciplines—practices both familiar and new—gives God space to work in us. Not every practice will resonate with everyone, but trying them allows us to discover new ways God can shape our character and deepen our relationship with Him. Formation is not accidental; it is the result of intentional habits and openness to God’s leading. [07:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Reflecting on Our Church’s Vision
• [01:10] - Strategy: Encouraging Gifts and Passions
• [02:33] - The Call to Deep Transformation
• [03:30] - No New Ministries Unless God Leads
• [04:10] - Discipleship as the Core Focus
• [05:47] - Trusting God’s Pruning and Growth
• [06:30] - Exploring Discipleship Resources
• [07:40] - The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
• [08:50] - Integrating Multiple Discipleship Approaches
• [09:18] - Leadership and Preaching Focus
• [10:00] - Invitation to Prayer and Discernment
• [10:45] - Next Steps for Servant Leaders

Bible Reading

John 15:1-5 (ESV) — > “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

2. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
> “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Observation Questions

1. In John 15:2, what does Jesus say happens to branches that bear fruit, and what is the purpose of this action?
2. According to Romans 12:2, what is the result of being “transformed by the renewal of your mind”?
3. The sermon mentions that God sometimes “prunes” us as a church. What examples did the pastor give of this pruning process? [05:47]
4. What are some of the current ministries the church is continuing with, and what is the reason for not starting new ones right now? [02:33]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might God allow seasons of pruning or loss in a church or in our personal lives? How does this connect to the idea of future fruitfulness? (John 15:2; [05:47])
2. The pastor emphasized that deep transformation comes before effective ministry. Why is it important for ministry and outreach to flow from personal transformation rather than obligation or programs? [02:33]
3. The sermon describes discipleship as a “whole-church journey.” What might it look like for every part of church life to center on following Jesus together? [04:10]
4. The pastor is considering integrating different discipleship resources and spiritual disciplines. Why might it be helpful to try a variety of spiritual practices, even if some don’t immediately resonate with everyone? [07:40]

Application Questions

1. The pastor asked everyone to pray and discern whether this focus on deep transformation and discipleship is truly from God. How do you personally discern God’s direction for your life or for the church? What steps could you take this week to seek God’s guidance? [10:00]
2. Think about a time when you experienced “pruning” in your life—when something was taken away or changed unexpectedly. Looking back, did it lead to new growth or fruitfulness? How might you respond differently to pruning in the future? [05:47]
3. The church is choosing not to start new ministries unless God clearly calls someone. Are there areas where you feel called to serve or lead, but have been waiting for someone else to start? What would it look like to step out in faith? [02:33]
4. The pastor mentioned spiritual disciplines and trying new practices to make space for God to work. Is there a spiritual habit or discipline you’ve been curious about but haven’t tried? What’s one new practice you could experiment with this month? [07:40]
5. The vision is for ministry to flow naturally from transformation, not from obligation. Are there areas in your life or service where you feel you’re acting out of duty rather than genuine transformation? What might need to change? [02:33]
6. The pastor talked about being “single-minded” as a church, moving in the same direction. Are there distractions or competing priorities in your life that make it hard to focus on following Jesus? What could you do to refocus? [09:18]
7. The sermon invites everyone to be part of a unified journey of discipleship. How can you encourage others in your small group or church family to join in this journey with you? What support do you need from others to stay committed? [04:10]