What is Transformation?

Transformation, as defined by leading author and researcher George Otis, Jr.: "A condition of dramatic socio-political renewal that results from God's people entering into corporate vision, corporate repentance and corporate prayer. During these extraordinary seasons the Kingdom of god pervades every institution of human endeavor."

"A transformed community is a neighborhood, city or nation whose values and institutions have been overrun by the grace and the presence of God. It is a place where divine fire has not merely been summoned, it has fallen. It is a culture that has been undeniably impacted by the full measure of the Kingdom of God. It is a society in which supernatural power flows like a river of molten lava altering everything, and everyone in its path."

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

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

Indicators of Transformation

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.

In short, 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 evolutionary 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.

Community transformation is indicated when:

• Political leaders publicly acknowledge their sin and dependence on God (2 Kings 11:17-18; 23:2; 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; 36:29-30).
• Economic conditions improve and lead to a discernable lessening of poverty (2 Chronicles 17:3-5; Psalm 144:14; Isaiah 60:5; 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; Ecclesiastes 10:17; 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 under gird 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).

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

According to apostolic minister and Christian author Ed Silovoso, there also exists five pivitol paradigms for nation transformation:

• We are called to disciple nations, not just individuals. (Matt. 28:18-20)
• The Marketplace, which is the heart of the nation, has been redeemed and now needs to be reclaimed. (Luke 19:10)
• Every Christian is a minister, and labor is worship. (1 Tim. 2:1-8; Acts 20:34-35)
• We are called to take the kingdom of God to where the gates of hell are for Jesus to build His Church. (Matt. 16:18)
• Nation transformation must be tangible and the premier social indicator is the elimination of systemic poverty. (Gal. 2:10)

To learn more about exciting transformation testimonies and prototypes occurring around the world please click here.