Nine Marks of a Transformed Life
The vision of University Presbyterian Church is to populate as much of the world as possible with as many disciples of Christ as possible, beginning in East Orlando. But that begs the question, “What is a disciple?”
A disciple is a mature follower of Jesus. Here at UPC, we’ve gone further and defined a disciple as someone who displays nine traits. We call them the Nine Marks of a Transformed Life. These traits are not merely behaviors. Maturity is not a matter of just trying harder to “do the right thing.” Instead, these nine traits encompass deep, long-term transformation of head, heart, and hands (thinking, feeling, and behaving).
Of course, no one masters these nine characteristics in this life. We are always growing and maturing; the process of sanctification never ends this side of heaven. However, by God’s grace and through the work of the Holy Spirit it is possible to become a mature follower of Jesus.
The Nine Marks of a Transformed Life are organized by the three main parts of our mission statement: Knowing God, Growing Together, and Serving Others. They express our vision for every person who attends UPC.
KNOWING GOD
1 – The transformed person enjoys God in worship.
- Participates regularly in Sunday morning worship
- Practices personal and (if applicable) family worship during the week
- Lives with an attitude of worship that permeates all of life
2 – The transformed person engages in God's Word through study and prayer.
- Has a meaningful, consistent devotional life
- Finds his/her way around the Bible
- Has the ability to explain to others the gospel and the basic tenets of Christianity
3 – The transformed person lives by God’s promises.
- Preaches the gospel to himself/herself meaningfully and effectively
- Demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit
- Finds joy, energy, confidence, & security in the love of God
GROWING TOGETHER
4 – The transformed person applies the gospel of grace in relationships.
- Loves and accepts people
- Resolves conflict with others
- Reaches out beyond his/her comfort zone to those who need love and care
5 – The transformed person invests time and energy in a small group.
- Participates actively in a Life Group and/or Bible study
- Helps his/her group experience authentic community
- Serves the group in some way
6 – The transformed person fulfills his/her church membership vows.
- Lives as a faithful follower of Christ throughout the week
- Supports UPC in its worship and work to the best of his/her ability
- Submits to the government and discipline of the church
SERVING OTHERS
7 – The transformed person exercises his or her gifts and passions in all of life.
- Knows his/her strengths and weaknesses
- Serves in at least one area in the church and/or community
- Recognizes that all of life is spiritual and engages all aspects from a kingdom perspective
8 – The transformed person practices biblical principles of financial stewardship.
- Lives on a realistic budget
- Gives generously and sacrificially to the church and other Kingdom causes
- Sees all his/her resources as God’s, to be used for the good of others
9 – The transformed person shares his or her faith in word and deed in Orlando & around the world
- Demonstrates that neighborhood, school, workplace and the world is his/her mission field
- Prays for and shares Christ with specific people
- Invests in and invites people to UPC