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 Ein Christus, nach dem Leben, Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn
(larger image)Introduction
Spiritual formation is a universal experience. Dallas Willard writes that “it is a process that happens to everyone….
errorists as well as saints are the outcome of spiritual formation. Their spirits or hearts have been formed.” A study of various world religions such as:
and others would enable one to understand specifically how each religion views spiritual formation or spiritual growth within its unique belief system.
Christian Spiritual Formation
In Christian Spiritual Formation the focus is on Jesus. It is a life-long process as a believer desires to become a disciple of Jesus and become more like Him. This would be possible because of the divine grace of the Gospel and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Dallas Willard writes that “spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ himself.”
Some approaches to Christian Spiritual Formation:
Formal Study
- Theological Training (see the List of evangelical seminaries and theological colleges)
- Certificate Programs in Spiritual Direction
- BA and MA Programs (see the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities)
- Informal study
- Bible Studies
- Retreats
- Conferences
- Independent study/reading the classics (see Christian Classics Ethereal Library)
- Community/church involvement
- Corporate worship
- Volunteer service
- Practice of spiritual disciplines
- prayer, the study of scripture, fasting, simplicity, solitude, confession, worship, submission, service, and others
- Ordinary experiences of everyday life
- Work and play
- Family life
Leadership As Spiritual Formation: Christian Perspectives
More and more people are coming to see the importance of seeing leadership development as a process of spiritual formation. Building on the emphasis of Christian Spiritual Formation in leaders, leadership expert Timothy H. Warneka has written,"Today’s world cries out for people who can lead with a global perspective. We need leaders who lead from the heart as well as the mind, leaders who understand that decisions made about even the smallest of organizations affect the entire global community. We need leaders who can act ethically, intentionally, and with respect for existing citizenry as well as for future generations. We need leaders who can address problems from an integrated, holistic perspective—the only place that solutions for today’s most pressing problems will be found. Most of all, we need leaders who understand that the primary function of a leader is to serve, not to be served."
Biblical references pertaining to spiritual formation
1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1 (English Standard Version) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-13 (English Standard Version) 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8:29 (English Standard Version) 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (English Standard Version) 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (English Standard Version)
Facets of Christian Spirituality
Christian Spiritual Formation involves the growth of the whole person: the mind, body, heart, and will. Over time a believer may work with different pathways or facets of spirituality in the process of spiritual growth. In Conformed to His Image, Kenneth Boa explores 12 ways of approaching or studying Christian spirituality and spiritual formation. They are: |
 Conformed to His Image Cover, Kenneth Boa
- Relational Spirituality: Loving God Completely, Ourselves Correctly, and Others Compassionately
- Paradigm Spirituality: Cultivating an Eternal versus a Temporal Perspective
- Disciplined Spirituality: Engaging in the Historical Disciplines
- Exchanged Life Spirituality: Grasping Our True Identity in Christ
- Motivated Spirituality: A Set of Biblical Incentives
- Devotional Spirituality: Falling in Love with God
- Holistic Spirituality: Every Component of Life under the Lordship of Christ
- Process Spirituality: Process versus Product, Being versus Doing
- Spirit-Filled Spirituality: Walking in the Power of the Spirit
- Warfare Spirituality: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
- Nurturing Spirituality: A Lifestyles of Evangelism and Discipleship
- Corporate Spirituality: Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship.
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References
- May, Gerald G. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction. 1st HarperCollins paperback ed. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1992, p. 6.
- Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2002) p. 19.
- Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2002) p. 22.
- Warneka, T. (2008). Black Belt Leader, Peaceful Leader: An Introduction to Catholic Servant Leadership.
- Ken Boa. Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001), p. 21-23.
Some writers associated with Christian Spiritual Formation
Some organizations concerned for Christian Spiritual Formation
- The Wesleyan Church
- The Navigators
- Prison Fellowship International
- Renovaré
- Wycliffe Bible Translators
- Spiritual Directors International
- Metamorpha.com - An Online Community for Spiritual Formation
Further reading
- Dallas Willard. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2002).
- Ken Boa. Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).
- Gerald G. May. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction. (San Francisco: Harper, 1982).
- Richard Foster. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1978).
- « David Benner. Care of Souls: Revisioning Christian Nurture and Counsel. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998).
Additional Resources
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