Transformational Church: Christ the Center

We ... advocate that churches minister in a culturally comprehensible
manner. But before we think about the culture, we must first be
biblically grounded. And being biblically grounded means that the
church is centered on God's revelation of Jesus as the Messiah.

Transformational Churches know the Source of transformation. They do
not fall into the trap of believing in personal innovation or
corporate vision as the source of changed lives. Focusing on Christ,
they show and share the gospel. Focusing on Christ, believers
confidently live knowing that many more lives will be transformed.

So much today seems to shroud the work of the church. Distracted by
pedestrian logistics, some churches become mired in minutiae. Falling
into sin, others disqualify themselves from authentic ministry.
Transformational Churches on the other hand remain clearly focused on
the Messiah who founded and loves the church.

Jesus states that He will build His church [Matt. 16:18]. As much as
we want to help, He simply doesn't need it. But He still invites us
into the task with Him.

["For we are God's fellow workers; you [the church] are God's field,
you are God's building" 1 Cor. 3:9, NKJV.]

Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer, Transformational Church, (B&H Publishing,
2010), 227.