Equipping and Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Dear Friend,
When a few of us started meeting together fifteen years ago to attend to our own spiritual formation as leaders, it would have been impossible to imagine all the Lord would eventually do. We began gathering on retreat not to start a ministry—but to survive and thrive ourselves.
Now I can hardly believe how many pastors and leaders have found strength for their souls by joining us on the journey of leadership transformation AND the impact it is having on the communities they lead!
As we conclude our celebration of what God has done over the last 15 years, the Transforming Center is bursting at the seams.
- In 2017 our Pursuing God’s Will Together Summit and Becoming a Transforming Church Retreat were both sold out
- The next Transforming Community has been full for four months with a waiting list
- The new Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership podcast launched in the top 10 in iTunes, introducing the Transforming Center to a new audience of leaders
These are just a few numeric examples of the growth we are experiencing, and they do not even begin to adequately reflect the transforming work God is doing in the hearts and souls of leaders.
Looking ahead to the next season of ministry
We believe God is leading us to claim even more boldly the original vision of the Transforming Center—“to call forth transforming communities that discern and do the will of God.” This will require a more fully orbed approach to strengthening the souls of pastors and ministry leaders and the communities they serve, with particular focus on cultivating the next generation of leaders who are desperately seeking a new experience of and a new vision for the Church.
One of the hard truths we must grapple with is that while young Christian leaders are the future of the Church and long to make a difference in Jesus’ name, many do not see the Church as a place that contributes to their spirituality or provides a context for making a difference in the world.
…with particular focus on cultivating the next generation of leaders who are desperately seeking a new experience of and a new vision for the Church
God has given us a clear and compelling vision that includes preparing younger transforming leaders to cultivate transforming churches and communities. We are ready to take next steps in equipping and empowering the next generation of leaders; we have a strong sense that we are moving forward in direct response to Jesus’ prayer: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” And we are asking you to stand with us at this exciting juncture.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 by year-end so we can complete the process of re-imagining the Transforming Community experience for a younger and more diverse group of emerging leaders, and also provide scholarships for those who are ready to join but cannot afford it.
We are trusting God to provide for the daring journey before us and we are asking you to partner with us today. With your year-end gift and God’s ability to multiply it, we will build a bridge together so that emerging leaders and influencers can take next steps in cultivating transforming communities in their own settings!
We already have many great next generation applicants for Transforming Community 15 who are waiting for God’s provision.
With you on the journey of transforming leadership,
Ruth Haley Barton
Founder
P.S. Your gift before December 31 will help equip the next generation of leaders to cultivate their churches to become centers of spiritual transformation!
YOUR GIFT OF ANY SIZE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The Transforming Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible under IRS regulations. Checks must be postmarked by December 31, 2016 to: Transforming Center, 209 S. Naperville Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187. For information on donating securities to the Transforming Center, email Jackie Benston or call 630-588-8133 x 303.
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Amazingly, I have great faith in the future of the church. Many solid foundations are being put in place by dedicated people. . .well they are in my church and so I’m assuming they are all over the world.
Francis of Assisi said,
First do what you have to do,
Then do what’s possible,
Soon you will be doing the impossible.
I think we are! I see so much good practice and transformation taking place that I believe the seeds of faith and hope for the future have been planted and are being tenderly nurtured.
Under the invisible hand of God all is in motion.
Quote,
I have been unholy, so if God can work through me, He can work through anyone.
And I believe that faithfully as we are in the safest pair of hands in our awe inspiring, starry universe.
I’m in! A check is on the way. May God bless this wonderful ministry.
Thanks so much for your support, Matt! It is making a difference!
“One of the hard truths we must grapple with is that while young Christian leaders are the future of the Church and long to make a difference in Jesus’ name, many do not see the Church as a place that contributes to their spirituality or provides a context for making a difference in the world”
That sentence really grasped my attention because of its profound truth – and I have to say that this doesn’t just apply to young Christian leaders. Even the older leaders who have been swayed by the prosperity message and challenged/competing with the information age of the internet don’t understand how to be a relevant church any more.
But because my focus is on this young generation too – especially those coming from vulnerable places – my hope is that this discussion can be pursed in the different context and cultures in which the conversation needs to be had.