Adam Peacocke speaks at Transforum 2017

 

Are we at the point of another reformation as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation?

Are we at the beginning of a very significant change in Christ’s church that will change the world?

Recognizing that reformations occur at times of deep problems, these are very relevant questions. Historically, reformations move into periods of serious chaos followed by resolution of major issues and a shift into a “new normal.” At the 2017 Transforum, we sought points of common ground in our understanding to be able to work towards resolutions to further extend the Kingdom of God into cultures and nations.

Speakers: Dr. Lance Wallnau, Dennis Peacocke, and Ron Coverson

 

Our four keynote speakers addressed this issue in differing ways:

1. Dennis Peacocke opened Thursday evening with an overview of the current political/economic challenges and how this chaos can lead to reformation.

2. 

   Lance Wallnau then gave a stirring presentation on the perspective of the psychological process of group change saying, “Evangelism isn’t just about salvation, it’s about the substance of superior ideas.” On Friday morning, Dr. Wallnau recounted the story of one man’s visionary financing for the political left, creating a global, social, and financial strategy comprised of multiple cooperating organizations under the financial control of one organization, Thunder Road. He expressed that Christians must also think strategically if we are to influence the Seven Mountains of society (religion, family, education, business, government, media, and the arts/entertainment).

3. Friday evening, Ron Coverson gave a powerful teaching on the shift from western rationalism to post-modern philosophy; he discussed how this wrestling with the existence of ultimate truth has major social implications on the world. He encouraged, “It’s more important to keep the conversation going and growing, than to be right.”
4. The message Adam Peacocke gave Saturday afternoon challenged us all. He used the example of the Pharisees who became Christians but still insisted on following the law–a classic case of how being too focused on the last move of God impedes the present move of God. When we double back on the very things being changed by God’s current move, we are hindering His purposes. He reminded us to seek the Lord’s wisdom instead of our own saying, “Sometimes God uses the problems we can’t solve to show us the problems we can’t see.”
5. In closing Saturday afternoon, Dennis spoke on Ephesians 3:1 where Paul, “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles” demonstrates the reality that there is no such thing as absolute freedom because, ultimately, we are either imprisoned by self or by Jesus Christ.

Discussion group breakout

 

Each day discussion groups allowed new connections to be made while broadening each other’s insights from the teachings. Along with opening worship there was wonderful comradery among the attendees. GoStrategic’s Director of Operations, Katherine Gallagher, reported, “We had attendees from 12 different states and 4 other countries. It’s always so exciting to me to see the new relationships formed amongst the participants!”

The Transforum also serves as the annual kick-off to the new school year for both the Business Leadership School (BLS) and Strategic Life Training (SLT), as well as a time to celebrate those who have just graduated.

Workshop breakouts prepared students of BLS and SLT with the teachings most foundational for each of the schools. In one joint workshop, Adam Peacocke taught on the overlaying subject of Strategic Thinking basic to Christian worldview. After all, “strategic” is our key word!

Allison Thomson, Amber Magness, and Faith & Ken Negvesky working at the product table

 

The Statesmen Project met before and after the event and concurrent with the workshop breakouts to maximize their time together. Their focus was on the building out of effective social ministries in participating cities through City Action Councils. These councils form a centering organizational structure for social services, public policy solutions, and effective spiritual prayer bases that influence and strengthen the practice of local problem solving. The 40 or so participants shared active and successful strategies where Statesmen are affecting cities throughout our nation.

Dr. Patti Amsden sharing a prophetic word at the conference

 

The Holy Spirit was especially present in worship

 

What was commonly agreed as the most meaningful element of the Transforum was the presence of the Holy Spirit which was strongly felt not only in the content of the messages, but also in the powerful times of worship commencing each day. A closing highlight was the graduation banquet Saturday evening where we were blessed by Steve Puleo’s beautiful crooning and his spontaneous encouragement of couples to dance which created a sweet moment for us all.

We were blessed by all the Holy Spirit did and look forward to building on what was received!

 

Steve Puleo serenading banquet attendees

 

Honoring Business Leadership School graduates

 

Praying over our Strategic Life Training graduates