Formation for Transformation

Formation for Transformation PDF

Author: Bruce Myers

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2022-01-13

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 1666729086

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In the past century the ecumenical movement has made extraordinary efforts in healing the wounds of division in the body of Christ—the church. However, in their formal preparation for ministry, many clergy learn little or nothing about the achievements, methods, or implications of ecumenism. This failure to adequately educate and inspire successive generations of Christian leaders about the quest for the church’s visible unity risks not only an irretrievable loss of ecumenical memory, but also a return to a time in which ignorance, fear, mistrust, suspicion, stereotypes, caricatures, recrimination, anathematization—even persecution—characterized the relations between divided churches. Drawing on decades of reflection on ecumenical reception and formation, and using the Anglican Church of Canada as a model, this book presents an approach to teaching the practical and theological aspects of ecumenism in a way that is both holistic and pragmatic and offers the potential to raise up a new generation of church leaders who are also agents of reconciliation and Christian unity.

Spiritual Transformation

Spiritual Transformation PDF

Author: Richard Peace

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2016-10-21

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 149823156X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Transformation is what Christianity is all about. To follow Jesus is to enter into a journey from an old way of living to a new way of being. As Christians our goal is to become ever more conformed to the image of Christ. Of course we cannot attain this high goal in our lifetime. But we can make progress. We can become more of who we long to be. We can leave behind old ways that have not served us well. We can become more loving to others, more open to God, more in tune with who we are called to be. Such transformation does not happen automatically, even though it is the Holy Spirit working in us to change us. We are asked "to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:12-13). We work; God works in us. This book is about our part in the work of transformation. Spiritual Transformation examines two main themes. 1) The Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation are explored in six small group sessions: what it is and how it happens. 2) The Goal of Spiritual Transformation is described in six small group Bible studies focusing on Romans 12 & 13, where Paul provides a blueprint for how we are meant to live as followers of Jesus.

Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered

Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered PDF

Author: James C. Wilhoit

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2022-03-29

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 9781540963048

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Most books on spiritual formation focus on the individual. But spiritual formation is at the heart of the church's whole purpose for existence. It must be a central task for the church to carry out Christ's mission in the world. This book offers an introduction to spiritual formation set squarely in the local church. The first edition has been well received and widely used as a textbook. The second edition has been updated throughout, incorporates findings from positive psychology, and reflects an Augustinian formation perspective. Foreword by Dallas Willard.

Sacred Rhythms

Sacred Rhythms PDF

Author: Ruth Haley Barton

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2009-12-14

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 0830878297

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Picking up on the monastic tradition of creating a "rule of life" that allows for regular space for the practice of spiritual disciplines, Ruth Haley Barton takes you more deeply into understanding seven key spiritual disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life.

STIR

STIR PDF

Author: Mindy Caliguire

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2013-09-24

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 0310494834

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In the past, church leaders have turned to small groups or other kinds of discipleship programs to encourage spiritual growth in their churches. Yet despite good intentions, the deeper spiritual life and transformation they had hoped for remained elusive. STIR calls church leaders to reclaim an essential, biblical truth—that the process of spiritual growth is more than a one-size-fits-all program, it happens best through intentional relationships with others in the body of Christ. Three distinct, sequential stages of spiritual development typically occur as people mature in their spiritual walk with Christ, and they need different kinds of relationships to support their growth through those different seasons. STIR describes those stages—learning together, journeying together, and following together—and shows how progress into and through these stages is best made in the context of relationships that change in nature over time. Readers will learn how to intentionally establish and strengthen the unique kinds of relationships that are catalytic for growth at each stage of their journey. Church leaders will come away with a new paradigm for encouraging spiritual formation in their local church by providing appropriate encouragement and support to people at all stages of growth.

Renovation of the Heart

Renovation of the Heart PDF

Author: Dallas Willard

Publisher: Tyndale House

Published: 2014-02-27

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 1615214550

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

As Christians, we know that we are new creations in Jesus. So we try to act differently, hoping this will make us more like Him. But changing our outward behavior doesn’t change our hearts. Only by God’s grace can we be transformed internally. Renovation of the Heart lays a biblical foundation for understanding what best-selling author Dallas Willard calls the “transformation of the spirit”—a divine process that “brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God.” This fresh approach to spiritual growth explains the biblical reasons why Christians need to undergo change in six aspects of life: thought, feeling, will, body, social context, and soul. Willard also outlines a general pattern of transformation in each area, not as a sterile formula but as a practical process that you can follow without the guilt or perfectionism so many Christians wrestle with. Don’t settle for complacency. Accept the challenge Renovation of the Heart offers to become an intentional apprentice of Jesus Christ, changing daily as you walk with Him.

Whole Life Transformation

Whole Life Transformation PDF

Author: Keith Meyer

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2010-06-03

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 0830867457

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Pastor and professor Keith Meyer writes in a fresh, prophetic voice about his experience of learning spiritual formation through being mentored by Dallas Willard. Drawing from the riches of church history and the experience of contemporary ministry, Meyer then describes how his own life transformation changed how he approached ministry and church leadership.

Transformation

Transformation PDF

Author: Bruce E. Pratt

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2016-04-13

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 9781530232772

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Transformation is a discipleship manual that guides the reader through the steps necessary for Christian growth and maturity. The first part of the manual engages with each person of the Trinity and provides necessary action points to develop a vibrant relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The second part of the manual addresses growth edges for a Christian in specific areas of life: mental, emotional, spiritual, sexual, and financial. Transformation is not quick-fix Christianity. Rather, Transformation offers a journey into a deeper relationship with God.