Spiritual Formation

“Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.” (John 15.2)

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a life-changing relationship

with Jesus Christ!

Spiritual Formation

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3097 - 15 Side Road

RR#1

Campbellville, ON

L0P-1B0

info@nassagaweya.com

(905) 854-1055

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Sundays @ 10:00am

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Spiritual Formation: A Definition

“What then is the true measure of Christian maturity? It is to become like Jesus. Do not be deceived by the seeming simplicity of this response, for it is packed with meaning and potential. This may be simply stated, but the concept is radical in its implications and demands far more and goes far deeper than belief, behavior and service. Christians are to grow into Christ-likeness, allowing his life to mature within and be expressed throughout daily living. It is not just acting as Jesus would act, nor is it doing what Jesus would do. It is far greater than that. The goal of Christian maturity is expressed well by the apostle Paul when he said, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2.20). Christians are to reflect Christ, growing to become more and more like Jesus all the time.”

- Dr. Terry Wardle, Outrageous Love, Transforming Power, p.11.

If Dr. Wardle is right (above), then Spiritual Formation—becoming like Jesus—is the ultimate goal of life. It is not an optional extra in the life of Jesus’ followers. It is not available only to the spiritual superstars of the world — the Mother Teresas, Billy Grahams, and the like. It is not necessarily simple or easy, but it is not something for which we must grit our teeth and try really hard in order to make any headway.

Spiritual Formation is the process by which God, through the active presence of His Holy Spirit, makes us more and more into the likeness of Jesus (see, e.g., 2 Corinthians 3.18). This is the outcome of a growing relationship of trust and love with God through Jesus, not the result of a series of prescribed “spiritual” activities. Spiritual disciplines—things like Bible reading, prayer, worship, etc.—do not make us more spiritual. They are rather the means through which we are able to experience this relationship of trust and love in greater and deeper ways. When we practice spiritual disciplines, we are not making ourselves more worthy, loveable or acceptable to God. We are positioning ourselves to receive the worth, love and acceptance that God has already poured lavishly upon us and upon all people.

Spiritual Formation can be likened to the physical and emotional stages of our growth (see chart below). For an in depth exploration of this analogy, go to “Sermons,” then to “Archive 2010,” scroll down to the bottom and check out the series called “Spiritual Growth.” You can also learn more about some basic spiritual disciplines by clicking on Bible Reading, Prayer, and Worship. The Pastoral Care page outlines some ways we offer to help you go deeper in spiritual formation.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone further, please email or call us and someone will be back in touch with you shortly.