Formation Articles

We observe that the term “spiritual formation” has become a mysterious and even controversial subject in the evangelical church today. We provide a definition, a brief history, and a justification for the term.

2018 will always be the year of the child in my mind.

It began in early February when I was challenged to imagine a curriculum that would bring the concepts of our Life with God journey to children. Since that time, children’s formation and spirituality have not been far from my thoughts.

In 2004 when I entered my Master’s program in spiritual formation, I knew nothing about the ministry of spiritual direction. I was keenly interested in how God changes His children—grows them up in Christlikeness--but unfamiliar with spiritual direction and unsure how direction fits into the change process. Now fifteen years later and having practiced as a spiritual director for over a decade, I have a deep appreciation for spiritual direction and the role it plays in spiritual transformation.

Politics in America is fraught with contention and strife. As Christians, we can feel helpless, overlooked or embattled about the issues which face our country and the leaders who are in charge. But our God is unchanging in what may feel chaotic to us. In the midst of it all, it can be hard to know how to pray.

Debbie was the first one to notice what made our recent weekend meeting special: everyone attending our Grafted Life Council Meeting was also there for our very first one 9 years ago.