The Influencers and Domains of Spiritual Formation

floorplan-tree-sprout-pixabay-310x205To follow up on last Sunday, here are the definitions I used for spiritual formation:

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, a journey into becoming persons of compassion, persons who forgive, and person who care deeply for others and the world. ~ Robert Mulholland

The process whereby the inmost being of the individual (the heart, will and spirit) take on the quality and character of Jesus Himself. ~ Dallas Willard

Spiritual formation is the intentional communal process of growing in our relationship with God and becoming conformed to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ James Wilhoit:

Remember spiritual formation is an invitation. Just as Jesus invited the disciples to follow Him, He  invites you to follow Him. In the following, we are made. As we accompany Christ He forms us. Formation is about personal intentionality, too. We must be intentional in habits because we share responsibility as partners with God in spiritual growth.

Always remember formation is a spiritual exercise and not a mechanical one. Never underestimate the role of the Holy Spirit. When I speak of habits and behaviors that encourage formation, the Holy Spirit is there.

With spiritual formation there are influencers and domains. Influencers are those, which affect growth in us. There are a number of influencers, but several key ones to illustrate. The Holy Spirit is the most significant. Scripture states the Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of the things Jesus taught. Jesus’ example in the gospels is another major influencer as is the Bible itself.

A domain is the “where” God seems to do most of the forming. We find God typically forming in the place of self, community and service. Self is the one on one with God. It’s the alone time where we learn, pray, meditate and ponder. God also forms us in community with other Christ followers. These are the times of worship, conversations, debates, encouragement and accountability. Much forming takes place in genuine community. Finally, God seems to do a lot of forming in us as we live, serve and give. It’s in the missional life that God forms us through the experiences serving. Over the next weeks I’ll talk specifically about the habits (practices) that encourage growth in the where of self, community and serving.

2 thoughts on “The Influencers and Domains of Spiritual Formation

  1. Tom Bagby

    I will be traveling to grandkids this weekend, but I accept your “request” to catch the 2nd installment from the website when I return.
    Diane and I both appreciate you and Jo and the entire Cool Spring staff.

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