An Introduction

As pastor of spiritual formation, I thought it might be helpful to say more about the concept of spiritual formation. Here’s an A-Z description of my understanding and the role I play in it.

A. ALL the processes and practices that we as Christians do to connect with God, with each other, with creation, and within ourselves.

B. Bible study + Blessings. Individual and community study of scripture is a primary component of spiritual formation. I am your go-to pastor for everything related to Bible study. Duke Divinity professor and theologian Kate Bowler has taught me so much about the beauty of a blessing. They are meaningful to give and to receive.

C. Confession. “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong.” 1 John 1:9 (CEB)

D. Dinner tables. “Where the Daily meets the Divine and the Divine meets the Daily.” I encountered this quote describing one mode of spiritual formation in a Sunday school lesson long ago. I am your contact for Sunday School needs. My plan is to visit all the classes this winter and spring.

E. Eucharist. Also called Communion. Partaking in this sacrament is foundational to spiritual formation. The Wednesday Evening Service of Healing in the chapel offers Communion each week. Pastor Daesub and I take turns presiding.

F. Feelings. Feeling our authentic feelings are important to our spiritual formation. The book of Psalms is my favorite tool to help in this practice.

G. Growing in Grace. This was the focus of John Wesley’s ministry. We grow in grace by participating in the Means of Grace which includes works of piety (studying scriptures praying, fasting, attending worship, healthy living, sharing our faith with others, and partaking in the sacraments) and works of mercy (doing good works, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, feeding the hungry, giving generously, seeking justice, ending oppression and discrimination, and addressing the needs of the poor).

H. Holy Spirit. The Spirit is moving in and among us enabling the formation of our spirits.

I. Invitation. Jesus was always extending invitations… to follow, to gather, to pray, to learn, to see life anew, and to be healed.

J. Jesus. :)

K. Kids. It is often a good idea to follow their lead and listen to their wisdom. “Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.” Matthew 19:14-15 (NRSVUE)

L. Lament. The practice of lament is a tool in spiritual formation when life isn’t as it should be or as we want it to be. The Psalms teach us how to lament.

M. Meditation. A specific and practical way to build one's sense of closeness with God. It can center on scripture, inspiring music/art, or the life and person of Jesus Christ.

N. Nourishment. What nourishes your spirit? I would love to hear about it. Being in nature is something that nourishes mine.

O. Offering. The practice of offering ourselves in the manner of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness to God forms our spirit.

P. Prayer. “Praying in Color” is my favorite way to pray. I would love to share this practice with you.

Q. Questions + Quadrilateral. To quote Sesame Street’s Telly Monster, “Asking questions is a good way of finding things out.” Asking questions about our beliefs is an important aspect of our spiritual formation. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral uses scripture, tradition, experience, and reason to help us in this process.

R. Rest + Relationships. Sabbath rest, which looks different for everyone, is essential to spiritual growth. Relationships are too. God created humans to be in relationship with God, with others, and with creation.

S. Stephen’s Ministry. TUMC has a long history with this ministry of congregation members caring for each other. I’m working on its re-start. Contact me if you are interested in being a care giver or a care receiver.

T. Transformation. This is the ongoing goal of spiritual formation — that our own transformation will lead to the transformation of the world.

U. Understanding. “For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9-10 (NRSVUE)

V. Visiting. My family will tell you I like to visit at church. Sharing our own stories and listening to other’s stories is an important aspect of spiritual formation.

W. Wonder. This is my theme word for the year. May we all lean into the gift of wonder.

X. Instead of offering an English word beginning with X, this letter is the same as a Greek letter Chi which is the first letter in christos, meaning Christ. Christ is at the center of spiritual formation.

Y. Yearning. “My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.” Isaiah 26:9a (NRSVUE)

Z. Zest. Paying attention to our spiritual formation can add “zest” to our lives. I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you as your pastor as together we grow in grace.