Ambrose University College and "Transformation"

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 refers to the sanctification of the individual believer in Jesus Christ; believers are to adjust their thinking to that of God, which will in turn affect their conduct, leading them to become more like Christ. This has nothing to do with the way the word "transform" and its derivatives are being used in evangelicalism today. When I heard such words in the 1980s, they usually came from New Agers who were talking about the way they wanted to see society and the world changed. I’ve noticed an increasing use of such terminology in evangelicalism in recent years.

According to Lynn and Sarah Leslie in their article What is Transformation?:

When evangelicals hear the phrase "church transformation" they may think of the paradigm shift in liturgy, worship styles, music, mega-churches, etc. In reality, "transformation" is substantial and deep, intent on re-forging the very foundations of Protestantism, western civilization, and ultimately the governance of the entire earth. While lip service is being paid to the traditional definitions you read about above, in reality the word "transformation" now indicates a societal, cultural and global revolution.

For an example of this, look at the Ambrose University College Report to Donors 2007-2008. The title is "Transforming Students to Transform the World." On page 2 we read:

At Ambrose University College, we strive to give our students an educational experience that is truly transformational. It is our expectation that upon graduation they will in turn find places of service and leadership through which to transform our churches and society. A transforming vision is a trust given to us by our stakeholders. This report is our accountability to those who entrust us with the finances to accomplish this great task.

(emphasis added)

Sections of the report are titled: Transforming through Scholarship; Transforming Cross-Culturally; Transforming the Church; Transforming the Community; A Place for Transformation (emphasis added). I counted 16 mentions of "transform" and its derivatives of the report. In addition to the Leslie article cited above, the reader is invited to go to Lighthouse Trails Research Project and search the site using the terms "transform" or "transformation."