Spiritual Transformation

The goal of the Christian life is to become like Jesus (see Matthew 28:18-20). The problem is two-fold: 1) No one ever really defines what a mature followers of Christ looks like, and 2) No one defines how to get there. In other words, we don’t know 1) where we’re going, or 2) how to get there. That’s where the spiritual formation matrix comes in.

At TDC we’ve structured ourselves around creating disciples, that is, helping people grow to become like Jesus. Rather than adding program on top of program, we’ve decided to create a simple structure in which every aspect of the church fuels and feeds helping people become like Jesus. We have identified seven "steps" towards maturity (and these "steps" may be taken out of order, which is why this is more like a web or a matrix than a ladder– it is something you continually work on)...The goal is to keep making progress. And, it's about the journey, too, not just the destination.

We suggest that you think of these steps not as a train track, as has been suggested before, but as a spider web...or an atom. When riding a train, your goal is to simply move down the track, moving over one bridge after another...crossing each cross-tie after another...The problem is that if one bridge goes out, or one cross-tie breaks, the train must stop. And, of course, you eventually "arrive" and stop moving. A spider web is different. Spider webs are held up by multiple supporting points, which may be a better way to view your faith. Just as a web may be suspended in mid-air by being attached to a wall, a door jam, a window, the ceiling, and part of the floor, so too might your faith be attached to multiple practices (read: spiritual disciplines) which brace that faith and make it stronger in the blowing wind. As you move through this growth track, you faith will find a supporting brace with the church... and another with your home group... another with your giving... one with your individual study and prayer time... yet another with your stewardship... one in service... and another in leadership... and, others, in perhaps other areas... You will find your faith supported by multiple avenues of your growth. And, as each of those areas grow stronger, so will your faith.

Maybe that's why this is drawn like an atom, too... As the basic building block of life, the protons and neutrons and electrons that make an atom are constantly in motion... and movement is life! Inevitably there will be times when some of the aspects of the growth track/ atom will need to be dropped for a good reason. You have a new baby, so you cannot serve for a month or so. A spouse grows ill and needs your attention, taking you out of leadership. Night school takes you away from your home group for a semester, perhaps... You lose a job and are unable to give. These things happen, which makes it all the more important that we support our faith with each other– and with as many contact points as possible.