Spiritual Formation: Wesley Tracey, Preacher's Magazine

Wesleyan Response Spiritual formation, as described by Wesley Tracey, Preacher’s Magazine, is a process when we allow Jesus to shape us into what he wants us to be. As we grow in God our faith grows through devotion, fellowship, and worship, which, in turn, develops commitment and discipline. Just as young children need guidance and discipline, so do we for spiritual formation. Children also need spiritual guidance. This includes affection which shows the love of God and allows them to share it with the world. Candid openness permits people to have real conversations with other Christians who can receive our hearts through love and without being judgmental. Then encouraging each other in the word of Goad and acknowledging people for their

He believed:

A. Every Methodist member was required to be a member of a group or class that met weekly for an in-depth sharing of mutual assistance in Christian living.

B. Everyone should have someone they can freely talk to and share honest concerns.

Participating in these groups developed strong loyalties, understanding relationships, and provided encouragement and comfort to one another. These sessions encouraged prayer, both private and public, even when weary or discouraged. It taught an attitude of prayer which created constant awareness of God’s presence. Bible study was to be a part of their prayer life as was devotional reading. A good portion of their day was to be devoted to prayer and reading. Then Christian service is to be incorporated into their lives which benefited the doer as well as the receiver. Self-denial and self-surrender were important themes of John Wesley. He felt it was important for one to know the truth about themselves. When one examined themselves, if they found sin, God would heal them thorough the sincere acknowledgment of the sin. Turning that sin over to God helps the Christian lead a life of self-surrender as we yield our minds and body to the Holy