Formed by the Mind of Christ

Over the past year, I’ve been increasingly captivated by the power of mindset. One of the classic works in this area is Carol Dweck’s book Mindset, where she explores the difference between a growth mindset—a willingness to embrace challenge and learn through failure—and a fixed mindset, which prefers the familiar and resists change.

In ECO, we actually measure the degree to which someone demonstrates a growth mindset during both our ordination process and church planting assessments. It’s a vital quality for those stepping into leadership roles, because ministry inevitably requires resilience, adaptability, and a posture of continual learning.

There are many great books, articles, and podcasts out there on the power of mindset. As I engage with these resources, I’ve been intentionally reflecting on them through the lens of faith: What does it mean for Jesus to form our mindset?

When our identity is securely rooted in Christ, we can step more boldly into growth. We’re no longer paralyzed by the fear of failure, because we know there’s nothing we can do to make God love us any more—or any less. That kind of security creates space for transformation.

Philippians 2 has been particularly shaping for me in this area. In verse 2, Paul urges us to “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” In a fractured, contentious world, we are called to a radically different mindset—one that reflects a supernatural unity.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. In verse 5, he calls us to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” He goes on to describe Jesus’ attitude of humility—how He did not consider equality with God something to be exploited, but instead took on the nature of a servant and became obedient, even to death on a cross. This is the mindset we are invited to adopt.

What’s powerful about mindset is that we have both the ability and responsibility to choose it. No matter our circumstances, we are invited to embrace the mindset of Christ. And of course, this is not something we muster on our own. We must continually rely on the Holy Spirit to shape and sustain us.

As we approach Holy Week, I invite you to reflect:
What mindset is Jesus inviting you to embrace in this season—as a disciple, as a leadership team, or as a church?

May we ask the Spirit of God to form that mindset within us and carry it into every area of our lives.

In Christ, 

Dana

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