Valerie's View - The Cost of Reformation and Transformation

Valerie Young
Aug 14
2 min read

I have the privilege of serving with awesome leaders!

The synod is blessed with talented, dedicated servants that chair each of the committees in our new structure. And, not just them, but the commissioners who participate in the work. It has been amazing to see everyone ‘dig in’ and join this journey of reformation and transformation.

There’s more to what’s happening in the Synod of South Atlantic. What’s happening here is just as much about transformation as it is reformation. AI provides this definition:

“Reformation and transformation both involve change, but reformation is a change in form or structure, while transformation is a change in essence or being. Reformation focuses on improving existing systems or behaviors, while transformation involves a fundamental shift or alteration in one's nature, identity, or purpose.”

We all know that change isn’t easy. That’s especially true in a system such as the synod. We are making big shifts in who we are, what we do, and especially how we do it. That’s reformation AND transformation!

Is all this really necessary? That depends on how you answer these questions:

As a synod, are we called to build relationships and community across the entire region?
As a synod, are we called to be responsive to and resourceful for the needs of presbyteries?
As a synod, are we called to provide opportunities to grow leaders for the church and the world at all levels?
As a synod, are we called to support and partner with congregations and presbyteries to build up the church?

Does all this reformation and transformation come at a cost? Of course it does!

Yet, when it’s Spirit led, it also comes with the ultimate benefit: Knowing that we are joining in God’s work in the world NOW, resourcing and supporting our people, congregations, and leaders for impactful ministry. It’s going to take some time to get there and begin to see the full results but, we trust in the Spirit, the One who set us out on this journey!

Try as we might, we can’t stay the same. We can choose to sit, wait, and inevitably have change forced upon us OR we can continue to pray for God’s guidance and presence in our work. When we choose the latter, we must trust the plan and know that we do not walk this path alone.

I’m (sinfully) proud to say, We Trust in the Lord!