In business and in ministry, it is exciting to see things “come together”. For the salesman and the preacher, seeing someone “connect the dots” is a fulfilling exercise. Building strong relationships is profitable for both the Pastor and the Workplace Leader.
I love making connections; and one connection that is dear to my heart is the relationship between Pastors and the Workplace Leaders they are called and anointed to lead. It is for that reason that I am truly excited to offer the following thoughts about the transformation process.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18
God has a way for everything. His way for maturing the disciples of His Son is called transformation. Transformation is a process of God that applies to individuals and groups. Those groups include fellowships and businesses. This is a connection that Pastors and other Workplace Leaders share.
Transformation applies to both the spiritual and practical realms. Successful Workplace Leaders embrace – even pursue – transformation in their spheres of influence. Training employees is simply a method of making them more “mature” in their area of expertise. Growing a company or workplace team requires transformation in thinking and attitude (see Romans 12:2).
The Greek word for transformation is metamorphoō. The word picture is immediate and clear: Transformation is messy, difficult and chaotic work. More than anyone, Pastors understand the challenges that come with transformation – in individuals and in groups.
Pastors also know that, in the kingdom of God, the practical manifests best out of the spiritual. Spiritual transformation is the foundation for behavior and physical change. Workplace Leaders understand this in more secular terms; something like: “If their heart is not in it, they will never change”, or, “If they do not embrace our new vision, they will not be able to help us”.
This is where the Pastor has a wonderful, God-ordained opportunity to connect some dots. Pastors have the keys to heart and behavioral change. More importantly, Pastors have God’s vision for the workplace: Disciple making and transformation for the Father’s glory.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Consider this: How many Workplace Leaders are there in your spheres of influence that would be encouraged, edified and equipped by a seminar on workplace transformation? My estimation is somewhere north of 100%; because more than the ones you know would come. Why not team up with some of your Workplace Leaders to make this happen?
Humbly yours and forever His,