From Information to Transformation Tobin Hart, author of From Information to Transformation and a professor of psychology, maps six interrelated layers of knowing and learning:
- Information;
- Knowledge (where direct experience brings information to the level of mastery and skill);
- Intelligence (integrating intuitive and analytic),
- Understanding (seeing with the eye of the heart);
- Wisdom (blending truth with an ethic of what is right); and finally,
- Transformation (that is, waking up! Whereas the first five are more about growing up in Christ, the final layer of knowing and learning is about being transformed into the image of Christ.)
As you read through the list, how do your levels of learning differ across your life and ministry? For example, I read a blog called the "Daily Skimm" for my news. Most of the time, that is enough to keep me aware of what is going on in the world. By contrast, when working with congregations in transition, most of my learning moves to the levels of understanding and wisdom. With regard to living our mission of making disciples, meeting human need, and glorifying God, I seek transformation (not that I get there, but I strive to move there!). One of my concerns about our information-driven society is that, if we're not careful, sheer overload can stop us at information (or, at best, knowledge). Rabbi Friedman, in his seminal book A Failure of Nerve, believed that we were a society addicted to information. As he notes, "The data deluge can only be harnessed to the extent that leaders can recognize that not all information is worth gathering, and also to the extent that they can develop criteria for discerning what information is important to leadership." So, how do we develop criteria for discerning what information is important for us to move from information to transformation? I believe it begins with seeking to place our core identity in Christ. Only then can our characters be transformed which, in turn, allow us to discern God's call for our lives. It is not about gathering more information. Rather, it is about discerning what is truly worthy of our time and energy. As disciples, we are called to be "transformed degree by degree into the image of Christ" (c.f., II Corinthians 3:17-18). Yet how much time do we invest (really!) in moving from information about Jesus to being transformed by the "renewal of our minds" (c.f., Romans 12:1-2)? When I'm working on something that really matters, I invest deeply in moving across the interrelated layers of learning and knowing. It typically takes me three rounds to move from the level of understanding to wisdom. In truth, I believe transformation is the journey of a lifetime. Yet, our culture places high value on novelty and newness. As a result, we often unintentionally stunt our growth, not only in our work but also our relationships. For that reason, the Equipping Commission is shaping our presbytery gatherings this year around The Journey Remix. For those who made The Journey this past year, please note this is not a repeat of last year; it is a remix born of the input of multiple voices. As Tara Mitchell (Cambridge First, CRE candidate and member of Equipping) writes: I have been thinking. Often, "2" means "sequel," and movie sequels are never as good as the originals. They're boring those who may have seen the first one, and confusing those who didn't. "Remix," however, makes me think of music. Although I don't always care for a remix of a song, they are often more fun than the original--like a dance remix. You don't necessarily need to know the original cut of a song to appreciate (or not) the remix. Are you ready to move from information to transformation in your core identity, character, call, competencies and community? If so, we look forward to sharing the journey (remix!) with you. With blessing, 
Debbie Rundlett General Presbyter Holy Habit: The Journey Remix Commit yourself this year to moving from information to transformation in your relationship with the Triune God. Mark your calendar now for the journey ahead: - Saturday, February 7: The Five-fold Journey (First Presbyterian Church, Ashland, 9a-4p);
- Saturday, April 25: The Journey Discovery 1, "What is my call?" (Northminster Presbyterian Church, North Canton, 9a-4p);
- Saturday, September 12: The Journey Discovery 2, "What are my strengths?" (First Presbyterian Church, Cambridge);
- Saturday, December 5: Journey Discovery 3, "What is my work?" (College Drive Presbyterian Church, New Concord);
- Saturday, February 2016: Journey Discovery 4, "What is my legacy?"
In prayer, ask God to place the names of those with whom you should be making this journey upon your heart and then invite them to join you. Note: They do not need to be Presbyterian! |
