Spiritual formation

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Spiritual Formation is the life-long process of personal Christian transformation as a believer desires to become more like Jesus Christ. Spiritual formation as an intentional pursuit is usually marked by an individual's adherence to the ancient disciplines of prayer, the study of Scripture, fasting, simplicity, solitude etc.

Spiritual formation derives it's name from Galatians 4:19 where the Apostle Paul expresses his "anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you" (ESV).

While essentially a willful lifestyle of submissive discipleship resulting in internal transformation, it is also an academic sub-set in the field of Christian theology. Many seminaries are beginning to underscore the value of spiritual formation as over against a hyper-emphasis on the intellectual rigors of academic theology. Spiritual formation, by contrast, bids the theologian to encounter the resurrected Christ in every facet of his or her life, including but not limited to, the emotions, the will, the personality, morality, and the intellect.

Seminaries such as Ashland Theological Seminary offer degrees and/or concentrations in the field of spiritual formation. The ATS course catalog for instance defines spiritual formation as "the process of nurturing an intimate relationship with God, encompasing heart, soul, and mind. Spiritual formation is obedience to the Word of Christ and an intentional commitment to grow, study, pray, and be held accountable for our life and witness, both before God and one another" (p. 8).

Although spiritual formation may be undertaken as an academic pursuit, its content is highly adaptable by all believers, both clergy and laypersons as well as for youth and children.

• Spiritual Formation at Still Waters retreat center
• Ashland Theological Seminary

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