In this series, Foundation for Transformation, we are considering the qualities that cultivate an environment in our ATC ministries where transformation can take place. In the first two articles we looked at love and respect. It’s all about creating a healthy environment where healing and transformation can occur. Today we add to that list, authenticity.
Authenticity is about breaking down walls; it’s about opening doors of opportunity for God to move. It’s about creating a place where students feel safe; safe to open up, to be open and vulnerable. What does it mean to be authentic?

Live congruent. 
Your beliefs and behavior should align; they should be “in agreement or harmony” with one another. We know people who we see as “fakes” and “hypocrites.” Of course no one believes they themselves are a hypocrite. Sometimes we need to take an honest evaluation of ourselves. Living what we believe creates an atmosphere of integrity. Have you identified and listed your core beliefs and values? Are you living congruent with those core beliefs?

Keep your word. 
If we don’t keep our word to someone there was a reason, we have an excuse, but if someone doesn’t keep their word to me, they lied to me. At least that’s the way we see it, isn’t it? And that is the way that our students see it. Trust and respect suffer when we don’t keep our word. When you give your word, do it or at least qualify it to them, “I will try and if I am able to I will…” Most of our students have suffered a life of broken promises. Put yourself in their shoes; is someone breaks their word to you all the time, what do you end up doing?

Be real. 
Our students need to know we struggle and how we deal with our struggles. Don’t act like you ain’t got problems. That doesn’t mean you talk about everything. You are sharing relevant real life challenges as they relate to their struggles. If ATC students are going to survive after they complete they need to understand the grind of life is real; temptations and trials don’t stop just because you became a Christian. Instead you now have the tools to face and overcome those challenges. Share your “tools.” They need to know how you do it.

Don’t be perfect.
Or maybe better stated, don’t try to be perfect. You can’t be, so don’t act like you are. Acting as if you are God’s gift to them and the all-mighty authority in their lives will only build walls.

Own your mistakes.
We want our students to own their behavior. If they observe us not owing our failures, why would they ever be willing to own theirs? There is no trust. When you blow it, own it and apologize. When someone blows it with me, my respect may go down, but if that person apologizes, my respect goes up higher than it was before they blew it because they are humble and authentic. Don’t be afraid to apologize when you blow it. You are exhibiting a humble spirit, willing to self-examine.

Think about all of these characteristics along with the love and respect we covered in the previous articles, from the negative side for a moment. What happens when those characteristics aren’t part of us and our ministry? If they aren’t present, there is isn’t a vacuum or void, rather the opposite trait must exist. What change can we truly expect in an environment where we don’t keep our word, aren’t real, are “perfect” and don’t own our mistakes? Would you be eager to be open and vulnerable in that environment ? Not being loving, respectful or authentic closes the door of opportunity for ministry.  On the other hand living out this kind of character opens the door for ministry!

Discuss – Evaluate – Execute

• Who do you know that you would describe as authentic?
• What characteristics do they have that are in this article or what characteristics of authenticity do they have can be added to this list?
• Which one of these points of authenticity challenges you the most and why?
• What can you do to improve in that area?