Thoughts on Spiritual Formation

Romans 8:29 and 12:2 are the scriptures I think of when I think of spiritual formation. I googled some other definitions below.

Dr. Robert Mulholland, of the Covenant Methodist Church, very simply defines spiritual formation as "... a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” I like it - simple and not "ME" centered.

Children have a good sense of what's meaningful to them. Paying attention to that helps us plan meaningful activities. Yet looking back as an adult we have a different sense of what lasts and what doesn't. Experience tells us what fruit grows from what seed. The harder part is remembering that despite the imperfections in our lives and our programs and despite what national statistics say - God can do anything.

When do you see children change from the inside out? Or does it happen from the outside in? Or both? What formed your faith as a child? What forms you now? What role did people play in your spiritual formation as a child? Specific Activities? The Holy Spirit? What choices do you remember making alone that affected your walk with God? What choices did you make as part of a larger faith community? Asking these questions to a group of adults would be an interesting exercise. It would probably give you more insights than just your own answers.

Ideally, Christian spiritual formation is the heart of Christian Education and Children's Ministry though each of the three is probably defined differently. We teach, we encourage, hopefully we inspire. The work of the Holy Spirit transforms us. The daily choices we make keep us growing. Gathering regularly provides both peer pressure and peer support to conform to the image of Christ when we might make other choices if left alone. And just the fun of being together.

There's another element (can't remember where I read it) which takes spiritual formation beyond individual maturing to congregational spiritual formation. He/she defined it as learning the collective disciplines of the faith community - a side of spiritual formation that I hadn't thought about. Spiritual formation is both individual and collective. There were times when God interacted with individuals and times when He dealt with the whole people of Israel.

In children who haven't had contact with church, spiritual formation and transformation often seem more observable than when you're working with kids who have grown up in the church and know all the right answers and (technically) know how to behave. Teaching, training, and challenging kids with meaningful activities without innoculating them to "real faith" is, I think, the most challenging part of spiritual formation for believers who work with children.

the Google Search:

Tyndale

the Upper Room

Dialogue with a seminary
student

YWAM

Evangelical Covenant Church