This is part two of a series around the concept of spiritual formation. This series seeks to explore spiritual formation carefully and biblically—listening with empathy, asking thoughtful questions, and grounding our understanding firmly in Scripture. Here are the previous articles: PART ONE . Jeff Chacon also offers a good primer HERE .   Few topics in the church today generate as much passion—and misunderstanding—as spiritual formation. For some believers, the phrase its

This is part one of a series around the concept of spiritual formation. This series seeks to explore spiritual formation carefully and biblically—listening with empathy, asking thoughtful questions, and grounding our understanding firmly in Scripture.   It is hard to ignore the growing interest in spiritual formation .  It has really only been popular among evangelicals since the late 70’s, but today the phrase shows up everywhere—books, podcasts, retreats, conferences, smal

Introduction   So, what’s “Spiritual Formation”  all about? Is it biblical or unbiblical? Is it healthy or dangerous? Is it a passing fad, or is it a vital key to spiritual growth?   If you’ve wondered about these things, then this article is for you.   By now, most serious Christians have heard the term, “spiritual formation”,  and have either positive, negative, or mixed feelings about it.   I’ve had mixed feelings myself, and through much research and practice over the las

I became a grandparent for the second time two months ago. When I hold that little baby girl in my arms, or hear my 3 year old grandson yell “go-ma” in the house, seeking my attention - my heart just melts. Our friends told us how special it was to become a grandparent, but nothing prepared us for the love we would feel.  Not only that, we feel a profound responsibility to these kids. Grandparents often underestimate the power they hold in shaping the faith lives of their gra