According to Romans 12:2 transformation is the result of the renewing of the mind. In order to help your disciple transcend above and beyond a fixed pattern of behavior, the disciple will need help to move from a fixed mindset towards a growth mindset. Your role as a leader or manager is to create space for disciples to have learning moments through the power of self-reflection that can challenge their assumptions, biases, and beliefs.
I like to refer to these learning moments as prodigal moments from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The prodigal had an insight upon self-reflection that challenged his assumptions. He assumed that he could not return home to his father. However, upon self-flection, the prodigal came to an insight when he considered not returning home as a son but as a servant. With a transformed mind, going home became possible. This generated a breakthrough and caused a change in the prodigal son’s behavior.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called our son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father.
Luke 15:17-20a ESV
For pastors and church leaders to effectively help your disciples achieve their goal of transformation you will need to help them create prodigal moments. What questions do you have in your leadership toolbelt that have the ability to create prodigal moments? These are the questions that cause self-flection for challenging beliefs, assumptions and biases that will create prodigal moments for the “great commission” disciples you are making. You will become much more productive disciple-maker when you recognize that your primary role is to help disciples generate insights for transformation.
Have you created a space in your church for Prodigal Moments so that you will both survive today and thrive tomorrow?
Steve Sharpe
