Spiritual formation is a process that morphs as we grow and change. There is no one singular correct path this type of journey takes because each journey is as individual as the person who is experiencing it. Most obvious, the journey will be different from those who identify as religious and those who do not and will diversify with in each category. For example, the spiritual journey a Buddhist takes will be different from that of a believer in Judaism or Christianity. In fact, the journey will continue to diversify between Christians, male and female, age groups, even by demographic location. Consequently, the spiritual formation process is as diverse as it is intricate and we may never be able to discover all the journey options. Although individuals may not actively recognize they are experiencing spiritual formation it is a process that affects all. Because it is in human nature to question, learn, grow, and act, everyone to a certain extent is exposed to a unique spiritual formation journey.
With this in mind, the following will focus on the spiritual formation process within the Christian community. The concept of Christian community stems from the Bible with the perspective of the body of Christ. The body of Christ is compared to the humane body, a whole comprised of numerous parts; each individual part is required and created by God to form a cohesive whole, no matter believer or non-believer or social status (1 Corinthians 12). Similarly, the spiritual community is also comprised of bountiful parts and can be customized to the individual as the formation. Ashbrook appraises the significance of individuals and community, “Our spiritual formation is designed by God to happen in the context of Christian community, the chu...
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...keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11, NIV).
Ultimately, spiritual formation is a journey I will walk throughout my lifetime and it is one that I gladly am not alone in traveling. My end goal is union with God in His Kingdom, as I believe it is for all Christians. I intend on allowing His grace and love to flow freely through me and show in my heart as well as in my actions.
Works Cited
Ashbrook, P. (2009). Mansions of the heart: Exploring the seven stages of spiritual growth. San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.
Barker, K. L., & Burdick, D. W. (1995). The NIV study Bible. (10th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Bunyan, J. (2003). The pilgrim’s progress. (Green ed.). Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, INC.
Hately, J. (2010, Feb 27). Biblical community-why it’s so i important. Retrieved from
http://wp.bikerschurch.com/?p=2113
New International Version Study Bible. Barker, K. gen. ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1985. Print.
Stanford detailed eighteen separate principles for spiritual growth. These principles are; faith, time, acceptance, purpose, preparation, complete in Him, appropriation, identification, consecration, self, self-denial, the Cross, discipleship, process of disc...
Faith plays a pivotal role in our construction of religion. The work of Dr. Sharon Parks analyzes faith development throughout one’s life span but pays special attention to emerging adulthood. Dr. Parks has an extensive academic career which incorporates her attendance of Princeton University’s theological seminary. As well as her attendance of Harvard University’s divinity school where she obtained her doctorate. Through her extensive research in areas such as “developmental psychology, religion, theology, leadership and ethics” (Service Resources, 2014) Parks is able to focus her work on faith development. Her work is influenced by theorists such as Erickson, Piaget, Perry and Levinson but primarily it is based off of Fowlers work in faith development. Her background in teaching and counseling has allowed her close access to seeing students during this important portion of their lives.
...hat share my faith and together worship Jesus. I believe that by being in fellowship with other believers I will have a strong opportunity to pursue and fulfill God’s purpose in my life, whether it is a daily or lifetime calling.
The NIV Study Bible. Barker, Kenneth: General Editor. Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1995
Hull, Bill. The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making Followers of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006. 43-44. Print.
Davis, John J. and Herbert Wolf. Judges Introduction and Annotations. Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised). Ed. Kenneth L. Barker. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002. 326–363
Kohlenberger, III, John R. and Barker, Kenneth L., eds. Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary: An Abridgement of the Expositors Bible Commentary. Chicago: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.
This enquiry based learning essay (EBL) will be based on the concept of spirituality and how it is related to health. The concept is has a variety of meanings and is seen as a unique entity to all individuals. In order to explore this concept, I have chosen to define spirituality within the context of nursing, compare and contrast by using different perspectives from literature. Subsequently, the most relevant literature to nursing will be identified and analysed. The second part of the essay will critically analyse a clinical experience related to the concept of spirituality. The issues identified within the clinical experience will be related to the definitions stated. The third part of the essay will be a reflection on the EBL, where I will evaluate on the strength and weaknesses of the EBL group experience using leadership skills. Ultimately, a conclusion will be drawn and the summary of the main points will be presented.
As I reflect on spiritual disciplines it is easy for me to look at them and weed out the ones that I do not think apply to me and the ones that I am drawn towards. But as I press into God and ask him what he sees fit and what I need more of, the picture begins to looks different than what I thought I saw before. Since I am so obviously human, I would rather see my life through a different more accurate lens than one that is tainted and imperfect like those of my human eyes. When I look at my life spiritually it is easy for me to see the spiritual disciplines that just come naturally to me such as worship and service. Since I know that those are areas of my faith that I thrive in, I tend to gravitate towards those to try and satisfy my spiritual life but I leave other parts to suffer. I want to gain better understanding of my faith and ultimately cultivate a deeper relationship with the Father.
Every person is on a journey of spiritual formation (Mulholland, 1993). What 's frightening is how this process can happen with or without our intention. Taking this a level deeper, every human is formed with an innate desire to worship (Warren, 2002). Putting this all in perspective; whether a person intends to or not, they are worshipping someone or something, and in so doing are being formed into the likeness of this person or thing. Knowing this, it is easy to see the importance of spiritual formation on the psychological health of a person. For example: if someone is being formed into the likeness of a demanding spouse, they will quite possibly grow into someone defined by bitterness or feelings of insufficiency. Therefore, it is vital
Barker, Kenneth L.. Zondervan NIV study Bible: New International Version. 2008 update. ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2008. Print.
Carson, D, & Moo, D. (2005) An introduction to the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
St. Ignatius of Loyola was a Jesuit priest during 1500s the that developed the Spiritual Exercises. The Spiritual Exercises is a series of rules that is intended to be a guide or manual for those on a retreat. The manual provides its audience with guidance and encouragement to discover their purpose, their "True Self" and path in which they want to travel in life. St. Ignatius's goal for his set of prayers, Spiritual Exercises, is to freely choose to follow God and to serve Him.
Spirituality can have many different definitions, depending on who is asked. It can be something as simple as looking for a higher meaning to life, or something so complex that one can base their beliefs, religion and overall life around it. There are several different ways to express one's spirituality; rituals, songs, dances, stories, and writings are all common methods of expression.