The Nicodemus Project embodies our vision, to become ‘a diocese of healthy, mission-focused, welcoming
and growing parishes
Nicodemus Project is a spiritual journey
by Claude Miller
It has been a few months now since the launch of the Nicodemus Project in our diocese. This diocesan-wide initiative carries with it a certain level of hope for a “new day” filled with renewed possibilities for our individual and corporate spiritual life. In these few short months I have witnessed a number of encouraging signs in both individuals and parishes embracing the idea of change leading to transformation. As bishop I understand this spiritual journey (change and growth in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit) as a process. It begins with an individual’s desire for a deeper relationship with God, and leads to a community (parish) transformation — a transformation that emphasizes the mission that God is calling us to embrace for the sake of God’s kingdom on earth.
A working definition of transformational change might look like this: “The process by which God forms Christ’s character in believers by the ministry of the Spirit, in the context of Christian community, and in accordance with the Holy Gospel. This process involves the transformation of the whole person in thoughts, behaviors, and styles of relating with God and with one another. It results in a life of intention to follow a new life style of service to others and witness for Christ in the world, so that communities (or parishes) too might be transformed to God’s glory.”
At the Synod Office we embraced the Nicodemus Lenten Bible Study series. We have been blessed by the challenging questions about being Christian and Anglican and how difficult it is to move from a passive recipient of God’s grace to “offer and present unto thee, O Lord ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee.” (BCP, p.83)
While the personal and corporate transformation process is an end in itself, the ultimate end is a deep and abiding relationship with God through Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit and the creation of communities (or parishes) that embrace his love so that others might be drawn to Him.
Our small group at the Synod Office is one of unique individuals. I trust that we understand that our individual journies and process of transformational change will be unique too. The Spirit of God is the one who transforms souls, and each of us has a personal responsibility in the process.
Bible study is but one way to assist our spiritual formation and growth, other spiritual disciplines can also contribute to the process of transformational change, like being intentional in our daily study, prayers and worship; our fellowship and support of diocesan and parish mission initiatives; sharing our spiritual journeys and witness to Christ’s presence in our lives; seeking God’s justice for the poor and marginalized. Transformational Change for our diocese is an inter-dependent venture. God loves and needs each one of us to do his will in the world. From scripture it is clear that Nicodemus was on a journey in response to a desire to know and understand Christ better. “Was he transformed?” is not the question for me. Jesus’ declaration that unless we are “born again” (changed, transformed) we cannot see the kingdom of God.
Archbishop Claude Miller is Bishop of Fredericton
and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada.
Diocesan Communications
30 March 2010
