Spiritual Formation & Resources

Frustration is a common experience among Christians longing for spiritual fulfillment, transformation and maturity.  What is the road to becoming truly spiritual and godly?  Are we praying often enough?  Are we praying in the right way and for the right things?  Are we reading and studying the Bible enough and in the right way?  Are we reading the right books?  What about fasting and meditation?  What should we be doing?  Are we doing enough? How do we become spiritual?  How do we become truly mature spiritually?

Fortunately, here is no process for becoming spiritual.  God graciously gives us everything we need for life and godliness.  In our spiritual journey we rely on Jesus Christ from the beginning to the very end.  Everything comes from God.  Christian spirituality is simply following Jesus and receiving from Him.  Spiritual formation is not a process of self-development.  God does the forming.  Our spiritual life is something graciously given to us by God.

So, why write about or spend any time focusing on spiritual formation?

We are called to pursue the Lord and to be receptive to what He has given us.  As we practice spiritual disciplines we take in and receive God’s nourishing Word that feeds our soul.  Jesus teaches us to pray and He intercedes for us.  We receive what we need from Him as we read, pray, meditate and fast.  God gives us His Spirit.  He gives us gifts.  In each encounter in spiritual battle God guides us with His Word and His Holy Spirit.  We depend on Him and He empowers us.  We need to be spiritually awake and ready for battle.  Even suffering, temptation and failure form us into the image of Jesus Christ as we learn to cling to Him and depend on Him.

What is Spiritual Formation?  Spiritual formation is the process by which believers become more fully conformed and united to Jesus Christ.  It is the intentional development and nurturing of our relationship with God.  It is being transformed by the Spirit of Christ.  It is the shaping of a believer's inner character and outward actions into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

It does not take being in Christian ministry very long to realize that simply having a daily "quiet time" will not create the transformation and depth needed to sustain a person who is ministering spiritually for the long hull; especially those who minister in hard situations.  Spiritual maturity and growth is not instantaneous.  The process of transformation is more involved and is a long-term process.  There is no short cut to spiritual formation and transformation.  Our spiritual life is cultivated.

Some approaches and aspects of spiritual formation include following:  Cultivating the spiritual disciplines (i.e.: prayer, study, fasting, meditation, confession, worship, journaling, etc...); developing a Biblical value system; cultivating a growing love for and intimacy with God (devotional life); understanding who we are in Jesus Christ (our identity); developing a love for others; walking in the power of the Holy Spirit; being prepared and equipped for spiritual battle; being involved in a community of believers; and being involved in ministry (evangelism, discipleship, service).  (Note:  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list.)

Is your relationship with Jesus Christ shallow or deep?  Is your spiritual life healthy and growing?  God desires to transform us from the inside out and bring our thoughts, attitudes, actions, habits and character into conformity to His image.  

The following are some books that may be helpful in developing your spiritual life.  There is a link from each book title to amazon.com where you can find out more or purchase the book.

Recommended Reading:

       Spiritual Formation, Personal Growth & Walk with God

               Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, Richard J. Foster - The classic study on the spiritual disciplines.

               The Character of God: Discovering the..., R. C. Sproul

               Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation, Kenneth Boa - Kenneth Boa - This is a great and fairly comprehensive introduction to the subject of spiritual formation.  If you want a great overview on the subject start with this book.  This also is written as a textbook for seminaries or Bible Colleges.

               Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian..., John Piper

               God is No Fool, Lois A. Cheney - Devotional meditations that have greatly inspired and blessed me.  Out of print for many years this book is not back in print.

               The God Who Hears, W. Bingham Hunter

               Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances,..., J. C. Ryle

             The Holiness of God, R. C. Sproul - A profound look at the character of God, especially His holiness and how God's holiness affects every aspect of our lives.  R C Sproul is one of my favorite theologians.  This book is profound and very insightful, yet easy to read, understand and apply.  A classic and one of my favorites.

                Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, M. Robert Mulholland - A good basic overview of spiritual formation.

                Keep in Step With the Spirit, J. I. Packer - Packer focuses on the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in this book.  It is a strong encouragement to a deeper Christian experience and to acquire a spirit-filled character.

                Knowing God, J. I. Packer

                The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God, A. W. Tozer - A classic!  A study on the attributes of God.

                Method for Prayer, Matthew Henry

                The Mortification of Sin, John Owen - A classic study on mortification by one of the most highly regarded Puritan theologians.  This study provides great biblical principles to help believers live lives of holiness.

                The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English..., John Bunyan

                The Pleasures of God: Meditations on..., John Piper

                Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer - Another spiritual formation classic by A. W. Tozer.

                The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges - One of the best practical books available on what it means to live a holy life.

                Revival: A People Saturated with God, Brian H. Edwards - This study on revival from Scripture and from history is designed to inform the mind and inflame the heart.  This book gives a greater understanding of revival and creates a longing for God.  I was greatly motivated by reading this book to long for revival and to pray that God would be glorified and bring personal and corporate revival.

                Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards - Edwards is an intellectual giant and one of the greatest theologians who ever lived on the American continent.   This is Edwards classic work distinguishing between true and false religion, by showing what are the genuine signs of a saving work of the Holy Spirit.  In doing this He encourages the development of the spiritual life of the reader.  It is not easy to read but it does challenge your thinking and move you to delight in God.

                Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, Dallas Willard - How can I be changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ?  This book insightfully sets out to answer this question.  His approach is not simplistic but it is deep, clear and practical instruction on what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

                Satisfy Your Soul: Restoring the Heart of Christian Spirituality, Bruce Demarest -  A wise study of the life-long process of inner transformation.  Balanced, biblical and practical.  One of the top three books I recommend to our missionaries on spiritual formation.

                The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis

                Seeing God: Jonathan Edwards and Spiritual Discernment, Gerald R. McDermott - McDermott makes Jonathan Edwards' insights in his book Religious Affections practical and understandable for today.  He clarifies the signs of genuine Christianity so that we can have insight into true and false spirituality.  If you have trouble getting a handle on what Edwards is saying this will help a lot.  You will also gain insight that will help your spiritual life; your appreciation, delight and enjoyment of God should grow and develop.

                A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, William Law - The classic by William Law.  Not an easy read but worth the effort.

                Soul Guide: Following Jesus As Spiritual Director, Bruce Demarest - A great book!  Demarest provides practical soul guidance using the example of Jesus Christ as a spiritual mentor.  Great biblical and practical wisdom for life's journey.

                The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives, Dallas Willard

                Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney - Good practical study on practicing the spiritual disciplines.

                Spiritual Formation, Bob Krepps - The material used in Bob's Spiritual Formation course that he has taught throughout the world.  

                Surprised by Suffering, R. C. Sproul - A biblical, practical and compassionate look at suffering and death.

                True Spirituality, Francis Schaeffer

                The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, Arthur Bennett,  Editor - Many of the Puritans had a deep and genuine spiritual life.  They regarded prayer and meditation as of first importance.  This is a collection of very inspiring written prayers and meditations.  This is a very inspiring devotional work that will help lead you into God's presence and encourage you in your walk with God.

                We Would See Jesus, Roy and Revell Hession - I have read this short book again and again.  It is easy to read, profound and life-changing.  It has had a great impact on my personal walk with Jesus Christ.  Great insight into walking with Jesus and living the Christian life.  Other than the Bible, I have given away more copies of this book than any other.

           Ministry & Evangelism & Missions

                Bruchko , Bruce Olsen - The true story of Bruce Olsen, missionary to a South American tribe.  Very inspiring and uplifting.

                New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties , Gleason Archer - I have often opened this book when I received a call from someone asking me a question on a hard Bible passage.

                Handbook On Counseling Youth, Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler - Good practical advice on how to help people covering a wide range of issues.

                Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions, John Piper - Good study on the Biblical basis of and God's heart for missions.

                Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

                The Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert E. Coleman - Great introduction to the art of personal discipleship.

                Operation World: When We Pray God Works, Patrick Johnstone - Very informational and a very practical way to get to know and pray for the nations of the world.

                Reason to Believe, R. C. Sproul - Easy to read, practical book on apologetics.  Honest answers to questions people are asking.

                Serendipity Bible for Study Groups - A great resource for small group leaders.  Has group discussion questions on every passage in the Bible.

                Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer, J. Oswald Sanders - A study on the principles of spiritual leadership.  The emphasis of the book is not on methods but on character.  There is a study guide with great questions on each chapter.  I have used this study to help develop ministry leadership teams.

                Unveiled at Last, Bob Sjogren - A great book on the Biblical basis for missions.  He shows that a unifying theme in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is God's heart for the nations.

                Words to Winners of Souls, Horatius Bonar - A call to humility, confession of sin and compassion for those without Christ.  This classic, written over 100 years ago, is still challenging and convicting.

           Biographies 

                 Five Pioneer Missionaries, Banner of Truth Trust - Short sketches of the lives of Henry Martyn, John G. Paton, John Eliot, David Brainerd and William Chalmers Burns

                 The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, Jonathan Edwards, Editor - The classic biography of David Brainerd, early missionary to the Native Americans.  This book has inspired and encouraged thousands of missionaries and Christian workers because of David's honest and intimate walk with God recorded in his diary.  His diary at times reads like a devotional.

                 To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson, Courtney Anderson - A wonderful and insightful biography of the pioneer missionary to Burma and the first foreign missionary to be sent from America.  In this biography Judson's entire character;  his strengths, weakness, struggles, intense suffering and great triumphs are all explored.

                 Life and Letters of Henry Martyn, John Sargent - Biography about the short but very influential life of this missionary to India.