Casting Vision for Prayer for Revival and Transformation
The Definition of Community Transformation

As we pray about transformation, we need a common definition of what a truly transformed community might look like. Here are some characteristics:

A transformed community is:

• A neighborhood, city, or nation whose values and institutions have been overrun by the grace and presence of God.
• A place where divine fire has not merely been summoned, but has fallen.
• A society in which natural change has been disrupted by invasive supernatural power.
• A culture that has been impacted comprehensively and undeniably by the Kingdom of God.
• A location where Kingdom values are celebrated publicly and passed on to future generations.

For the term transformation to be properly applied to a community, change must be evident not only in the lives of its inhabitants, but also in the fabric of its institutions. In the end, it is dramatic social, political, and even ecological renewal that sets these cases apart from common experience.

Indicators of Transformation:

• Political leaders publicly acknowledge their sin and dependence on God (2 Kings 11:17-18; 23:1-3; Jonah 3:6-9).
• New laws, curricula, and business practices are put into effect (2 Chronicles 19:4-10; Nehemiah 10:31).
• The natural environment is restored to its original life-nurturing state (Leviticus 26:4-5; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 34:27-31).
• Economic conditions improve and lead to a discernable lessening of poverty (2 Chronicles 17:3-5; Psalm 144:13-14; Isaiah 60:5-7; Amos 9:13).
• There is a marked change in social entertainment and vices as Kingdom values are integrated into the rhythm of daily life (Ezra 10:1-4; Nehemiah 8:10, 16-17; Acts 19:17-20).
• Crime and corruption diminish throughout the community (2 Kings 12:13-15; Nehemiah 5:6-12; Isaiah 60:17-18).
• Volunteerism increases as Christians recognize their responsibility to heal and undergird the community (Isaiah 58:10-12; 61:1-4).
• Restored hope and joy leads to a decline in divorce, bankruptcy, and suicide (Nehemiah 12:27-28, 43; Isaiah 54:11-14; 61:3-7; Jeremiah 30:17-19; 31:11-13; Hosea 2:15).
• The spiritual nature of the growing socio-political renewal becomes a hot topic in secular media (2 Chronicles 20:29; Nehemiah 6:16; Isaiah 55:5; Ezekiel 36:36; Acts 19:17).
• Overwhelmed by the goodness of God, grateful Christians take the embers of revival into surrounding communities and nations (2 Chronicles 17:9; Isaiah 61:6; Acts 11:20-26).

Although the word "transformation" is being used by many ministries to describe many different conditions, Prayer Transformation Ministries is committed to "presence-based transformation." This is the condition where the presence of Jesus Christ is so manifest that He is bringing about transformation in hearts and in society.

Core Principles of Transformation:

• God wants to be invited into our communities.
• God is drawn to holiness and humility.
• Corporate revival begins with individual obedience.
• Biblical unity is a majority with God.
• Breakthrough prayer releases destiny.
• God’s work will always be unique.
• God uses servant leaders.

Obstacles to Transformation:

• Theological misperceptions
• Reliance on programs
• Lowered expectation
• Misplaced motives
• Ignorance of the past
• No sense of membership
• Lack of hunger

These principles are contained in the "Quickening" DVD produced by The Sentinel Group, and the "Quickening Study Guide" produced by Prayer Transformation Ministries.

"It is not enough to simply wish for change, or to hope that God will include our community on His revival itinerary. If spiritual transformation is to become a reality in our lives, then hope must give way to faith and commitment. Our solitary goal must be to prepare the way of the Lord, to ensure that He feels welcome and comfortable in our midst."

-- George Otis, Jr

This is a matter of faith, not triumphalism. There is, and will likely continue to be, gross spiritual darkness in the world. Our goal is not to make a new heaven and a new earth, but rather to create salty spots on the earth that stimulate a thirst for God. Like many salty appetizers, these temporal transformations point the way to a larger, more satisfying meal to come.

Taken from International Fellowship of Transformation Partners, Transform World Conference, Jakarta, Indonesia, May 2005

 

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