What Is Transformation?

What Is Transformation? By Lynn & Sarah Leslie

See also Global Day of Prayer

In
today’s neo-evangelical church, the term “transformation” is currently in
vogue. Various churches and denominations claim to be undergoing
“transformation.” This word no longer refers to the humble sanctification of
the individual believer. Rather, it now refers to an orchestrated, systemic
and revolutionary overhaul of the global church, including the
“transformation” of cities, societies, cultures, marketplaces, and more.

We first encountered this usage of the word
during the early 1990s, when “transformation” came to be associated with the
massive plan to overhaul our nation’s education system. “Education
transformation” was a term nuanced with esoteric meaning—referring not only
to the comprehensive “economic, social and cultural health of American
society,”1
but also, in global education circles, to education in “higher order
thinking skills” to facilitate the collective evolution of consciousness.2
We discovered that education reform gurus were using the term in the same
way that the New Age Theosophists were using it.

New meanings for the word “transformation”
entered the modern lexicon in the early 1980s. New Age author Marilyn
Ferguson, who is credited with launching the “coming out party” for
Luciferian Theosophists, extensively used the term. She defined it as
“transformation of consciousness,” “a new seeing,” “conscious evolution,”
and a “paradigm change.” Transformation was an essential part of the
Teilhardian leap from “individual evolution” to “collective evolution.”3
Christian discernment author Constance Cumbey bluntly remarked that
Ferguson’s type of “transformation” was “a euphemism for progressively
deeper levels of demonic influence.”4

There is currently a bait and switch going on in
neo-evangelical circles. When evangelicals hear the word “transformation”
bandied about, they assume it is a biblical word from Romans 12:2: “And be
not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will
of God.” In fact, the traditional meaning of the word can be found in
Matthew Poole’s Commentary from the 1600s, which exhorts: “Be you
regenerated, and changed in your whole man; beginning at the mind, by which
the Spirit of God worketh upon the inferior faculties of the soul….”5
Matthew Henry’s Commentary further expounds, “The progress of
sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more
and more.”6

The Greek word for biblical “transformation” is
metamorphoo, from which we get the English word metamorphosis: i.e.,
a complete change, such as a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Biblical
transformation, then, applies to an individual believer’s progress in
sanctification.

When evangelicals hear the phrase “church
transformation” they may think of the paradigm shift in liturgy, worship
styles, music, mega-churches, etc. In reality, “transformation” is
substantial and deep, intent on re-forging the very foundations of
Protestantism, western civilization, and ultimately the governance of the
entire earth. While lip service is being paid to the traditional definitions
you read about above, in reality the word “transformation” now indicates a
societal, cultural and global revolution. Here is one new definition which
hints at the larger scale:

“Transformation–the measurable supernatural
impact of the presence and power of God on human society, sacred and
secular. In the church, this is characterized by increased holiness of
life, accelerated conversion growth, reconciliation in relationships,
mobilization of gifts and callings, and an increased relevance to and
participation in greater society. In the culture, this may be
characterized by pervasive awareness of the reality of God, a radical
correction of social ills, a commensurate decrease in crime rates
(evidence of authentic biblical justice, as described in Isaiah 58),
supernatural blessing on local commerce, healing of the brokenhearted
(the alienated and disenfranchised), and an exporting of kingdom
righteousness. To this end, a catalytic core of saints typically embrace
a lifestyle of persistent repentance, humility, prayer and sacrificial
servanthood that attracts the favor and presence of God, and breaks the
predominating influences of the ruling power structures of human flesh
and the devil.”7

If this new definition of “transformation”
sounds complex and obscure, it is. Unless you have been steeped in
neo-evangelical doctrines, this will sound like mish-mash. To aid the
reader, below is a nutshell synopsis of the new doctrines of
“transformation.”

1. The term “transformation” is used to describe
a planned, intentional “Second Reformation” (also called “New Apostolic
Reformation”). An early proposal for a “second Protestant reformation”
appeared in The Emerging Order (1979) by New Ager Jeremy Rifkin, who called
for a re-definition of Genesis 1 to create a stewardship mandate for a
dominion over the earth.8
Rick Warren, of purpose-driven fame, positively referenced Rifkin’s proposal
for this new Reformation.9
Just this year Warren launched what he calls the “Second Reformation.”10
Other evangelical leaders calling for this new reformation include Ralph
Neighbour, Bill Hamon, Luis Bush, C. Peter Wagner, Jim Rutz, Robert Schuller,
Donald Miller and many others.11

2) This “transformation” is not personal but is
applied corporately to groups and entities. One example is: “Social
transformation was defined as seeking positive change in the whole of human
life materially, socially and spiritually, by recovering our true identity
as human beings created in the image of God and discovering our true
vocation as productive stewards, faithfully caring for our world and its
people.”12

3) This “transformation” is to be accomplished
by a “mission” strategy of doing “whatever it takes” to launch political,
social, and cultural reforms on a global scale. A philosophy of “the end
justifies the means” has been embraced to accomplish these colossal goals.13

4) Extremely sophisticated psycho-social
marketing techniques are employed to facilitate this “transformation.”14

5) State-of-the-art statistical measurement and
assessment methods evaluate this “transformation,” judging “effectiveness”
by pre-set, man-made criteria.15

6) A plethora of intricate spiritual activities
with new names, new techniques, new methodologies, and new doctrines
purportedly cause “transformation” to take place in the heavenlies and then
on earth.16
These include strategic-level spiritual warfare, identificational
repentance, prayer evangelism, on-site praying, spiritual mapping, prayer
walks, labyrinths, spiritual formation, and a host of other newly-concocted
doctrines with corresponding activities.17
(The reader is challenged to find any of these in the Bible.)

7) A re-alignment of church hierarchical
structures, not unlike network marketing, is said to be essential for
“transformation” to take place.

8) These new authority and accountability
structures must be superimposed between believers and God. The model is
touted as a return to the early New Testament model, in which churches met
in homes. In reality it is a data-driven model with a top-down hierarchy of
authority and control. It is variously called cell church, G12, shepherding,
House2House, etc.18

9) This “transformation” dialectically thrives
on a diet of constant change which is accelerating rapidly.19
Continuous change in the church is
pointed to as “revival,” despite the fact that it utilizes business
marketing methods such as Total Quality Management.20

10) The claim is made that submitting to and
participating in this radical and comprehensive “transformation” is
necessary to fulfill the Great Commission. Thus “transformation” has been
inextricably linked to the modern missions movement.21

11) This “transformation” is said to be
incomplete until the Bride of Christ is perfected on earth and “God’s
kingdom is seen on earth as it is in heaven.”22

12) Therefore, believers are told they are
co-creators and co-redeemers, renewing the earth through their various
“transformative” activities.23

Neo-evangelical “transformation” doctrines integrate (or “contextualize”24)
Theosophy with Christianity for a hybrid new orthodoxy, sometimes termed the
“emergent” church. Therefore, this “transformation” is fertile ground for
all new forms of ecumenism, easily finding common ground with both cults and
the occult. Popular neo-evangelical leader Leonard Sweet laid out this
broader concept of transformational ecumenism in his 1991 book Quantum
Spirituality: A Postmodern Apologetic:

“A globalization of evangelism ‘in connection’
with others, and a globally ‘in-formed’ gospel, is capable of talking across
the fence with Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim -– people from other so called
‘new’ religious traditions (‘“new’ only to us) – without assumption of
superiority and power. It will take a decolonized theology for Christians to
appreciate the genuineness of others’ faiths, and to see and celebrate what
is good, beautiful, and true in their beliefs without any illusions that
down deep we all are believers in the same thing.”25

Pertaining to this new-style, global-scale
“transformation,” let the reader note that there is another Greek word
translated as “transformed” or “transforming” into KJV English. This word is
metaschematizo, which carries the root word schema which means “fashion,”
from which we get the English word “scheme.” 2Cor. 11:13-15 carries this
warning: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is
transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his
ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end
shall be according to their works.

---

Endnotes:
1. From “Transforming American Education: Reducing the Risk to the
Nation,” cited in the deliberate dumbing down of america by Charlotte
Iserbyt (Conscience Press: Ravenna, Ohio, 1999), p. 233-4.
2. For a thorough discussion of this point, see Kjos, Berit. Brave New
Schools (Harvest House Publishers: Eugene, Oregon, 1995).
3. Ferguson, Marilyn. The Aquarian Conspiracy: Personal and Social
Transformation in the 1980s (J.P Tarcher, Inc.: Los Angeles, 1980), p.
68-72. Note the numerous references to “transformation” in the index.
4. Cumbey, Constance. The Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow: The New Age
Movement and Our Coming Age of Barbarism (Huntington House: Shreveport,
Louisiana, 1983), p. 54-55.
5. Poole, Matthew. A Commentary on the Holy Bible: Volume III:
Matthew-Revelation (Hendrickson), p. 521.
6. The Matthew Henry Study Bible (World Bibles, 1994), p. 2362.
7. Authorship of this definition attributed to Tom White, who “shared his
working definition of ‘transformation,’ and a conviction about the new
ecclesiology of the ‘city church,’” http://boards.faithhighway.com:8080/~cityreaching/guests,
Track 19 – Level 2: Advanced City Reaching, A Synopsis of the Advanced
Practitioner’s Sub-Track of “Building Effective City Coalitions.”
8. Rifkin, Jeremy with Ted Howard. The Emerging Order: God in the Age of
Scarcity (G.P. Putnam’s Sons: New York, 1979), “Introduction,” pp. ix-xii.
Let the reader note that the ideas put forth in this book are now being
implemented.
9. Rick Warren’s Ministry Toolbox, Issue #60, 7/24/2002, “Christian
Entrepreneurs Should Finance Kingdom Work,” by Craig R. Smith, quoting from
the section of Rifkin’s book referenced above.
10. Warren’s public launching of the “Second Reformation” was done in
conjunction with the Global Day of Prayer and launching his global P.E.A.C.E.
Plan. See Ministry ToolBox, issue #200, 3/30/2005, “The task before us is
enormous, but God is equipping us.” For in-depth documentation on this
point, see articles by Sarah Leslie posted at http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMayJune_2005.htm
and http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm
11. Abundant documentation, too prolific to list here, can be found by
simply conducting a search of these men on the Internet.
12. “World Inquiry Compendium V: City-Based Action Plans Unveiled,” headed
by Luis Bush (no author cited), from the Mission Frontiers (United States
Center for World Mission) website, http://www.missionfrontiers.org/2003/04/Evangelizing/Inquiry%20docs%20for%20web/PDFs/12%20of%2014%20C%20V%20%C9tion%20Plans.do.pdf,
page 6 of 27, 2003
13. See article posted at http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLJulyAugust_2005.htm
for more information on this point.
14. See http://www.challies.com/archives/001166.php for one significant
piece of documentation.
15. See monograph 1 in series “The Pied Pipers of Purpose,” entitled “Human
Capital Systems and Church Performance,” chapter entitled “Integrated
Measurement Systems Drive Performance,” by Lynn D. Leslie, Sarah H. Leslie
and Susan J. Conway. Available at http://www.discernment-ministries.org, or
can be ordered for $3.50 at 903-567-6423.
16. George Otis of the Sentinel Group has produced a video series entitled
“Transformation” which is widely touted by other neo-evangelical leaders as
the gold standard for what this new style of “transformation” is all about.
See http://www.sentinelgroup/org.
17. A partial list can be found in the “Summary Report: AD2000 United Prayer
Track” report by C. Peter Wagner, archived at http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:EwPzOetQEUoJ:www.ad2000.org/re00623.htm+%22city+transformation%22%22luis+bush%22&hl=en.
C. Peter Wagner is the inventor of many of the new doctrines being
promulgated.
18. See www.discernment-ministries.org for various articles, tapes and
reports pertaining to the cell church model.
19. Rick Joyner, a “prophet” of this “transformation,” recently wrote about
an “acceleration of transformation” in an article entitled, Prepare the Way”
posted at http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word_pf.html?ID=3306.
20. See footnote 14 above which cites Peter Drucker, management guru who
mentored Rick Warren, as saying that Warren is “the inventor of perpetual
revival.”
21. Various articles pertaining to this can be found at: http://gbo.faithsite.com/content.asp?CID=78746
and http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:Pe9dkmmRPJAJ:www.crossroad.to/Excerpts/world-christian-movement/transformation.htm+%22tom+white%22%22luis+bush%22transformation&hl=en
22. C. Peter Wagner, “Transform Society!” Global Prayer News, Vol. 6, No. 3,
Jul-Sept 2005.
23. For examples of these new doctrines, see “The Great Commission,” by
Victor Choudhrie at http://www.house2house.tv/index.pl/mag/issue6/007, or
http://webgui1033.cdgcommerce.com/uploads/images/79/Issue6.pdf
page 12-15, and “Our Visions and the Ecosphere: Future Visions,” by Paul E.
McKaughan of EFMA (Evangelical Fellowship of Mission Agencies) at http://efma.gospelcom.net/about/vision.php.
24. Dager, Al. The World Christian Movement (Sword Publishers: Redmond, WA),
which explains the new theologies of the modern missions movement, including
this doctrine of “contextualization” which essentially permits the
integration of Christianity with paganism.
25. Book posted on-line at http://www.leonardsweet.com/Quantum.

© 2005 by Sarah Leslie.  

See also 

A Blinding Darkness

---

Home | Articles | Reinventing the World | Spirit-Led or Purpose-Driven | Transformational Leadership

Email this page