Transformation
“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matt 6:10
We believe we are called to be a people of transformation. We expect personal transformation over time (Rom 12:1-2), and we’re called as God’s people on earth to bring transformation to the homes, families, communities, workplaces, learning-places and social settings we find ourselves in.
Transformation is always God’s agenda. His heart is to redeem, restore and renew this world into the pattern of His Kingdom. As we seek first His kingdom, ‘on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matt. 6:10), transformation could come in a variety of ways, such as working for justice and equality, for peace and joy, for good business, for a healthy planet, for opportunities, for the prosperity of our city, for healing, for safety, for raised horizons, for freedom from addictions and that every person would come to know the love God has for them.
The heart of Christian transformation is love and service, happening through relationships. Jesus laid down his life for his friends and enemies (1 John 3:16). A life of service motivated by the love of God we’ve received and freely give away, can transform any circumstance.
Every person has a unique design and gifting and unique callings from God across life. We are committed to seeing people’s potential realised and fulfilled. This means each person taking responsibility for living out their calling and expressing their God-given gifts and design within the context He has called them to. Our communities and leaders are there to help this happen.
The Lifeshape which informs Transformation is the Pentagon.
This is a tool to enable every believer to recognise their worth and their ministry in and outside the church. It helps people to understand how they fit within the body of Christ and directs their opportunities to serve to the best of their ability. Taking inspiration from Ephesians 4:11-13, by discerning your core calling, it takes the pressure away from feeling inadequate in other areas.
WE VALUE
- Changing lives through love and service
- Bringing kingdom principles into all areas of life
- Seeking and expecting ‘things to change’ as we bring God’s kingdom into them
- Sacrificial service to others, rooted in love
- Helping everybody to develop their unique calling, giftings and potential
- Loving our neighbours
- Speaking out about injustice, inequality and unrighteousness
- The Ephesians 4 ‘five-fold’ gifts, given to build-up the church for works of service (Prophet, Teacher, Apostle, Pastor, Evangelist)
- Big horizons - the transformation of the whole city of Sheffield in many ways
- The impact small steps of obedience and faith can have in the process of transformation
- The transformation of our whole city through working together with partners like the city’s council, organisations and other like-minded churches