Pastor Outlaw's Blog: What is Spiritual Formation?

Yesterday, a friend telephoned me and asked me for a definition of "spiritual formation." I used the metaphor of a village to define the term. Spiritual formation is an ongoing, active process of seeking conformity of one's spiritual mind to the mind of Jesus Christ. Paul's letter to the Romans 12:2 challenges, "do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Spiritual Formation is the name of the village in which we are encouraged to reside. There are different homes in the Village with unique floor plans. Each house is beautiful in its own right. As a visitor on tour in the Village we have the opportunity to spend time in each house. There are a number of houses which may capture our attenton. Among the choices of houses there is the house of prayer, the house of fasting, the house of meditation, the house of bible study, the house of silence, and the house of generosity. Each one of these houses has something unique and wonderful to offer the cojourner who seeks to be more like Christ.

The process of conforming to the mind of Christ is a life long journey through the Village. How much time we spoend in each house of spiritual discipline is determined by our individual choices and our willingness to commit to the study and practice of the spiritual exercises. What has been your experience in the practice of the spiritual disciplines? Where will you start, today?

Posted on Thu, April 7, 2011 by Patricia A. Outlaw filed under

Spiritual Formation,

2 comments (Add your own)

1. Jonathon Lookadoo wrote:: Dr. Outlaw,

I think the village metaphor is an interesting one, and I very much like it. I also appreciate that the metaphor allows an important personal element. No two people are quite alike, and we should not expect some sort of formula to "fit" everyone on their respective spiritual journeys.

I find it interesting to think of what a community living in the Spiritual Formation Village might look like. If we take a local church as an example, it seems there would be some people who may frequent the houses of prayer and meditation while others spend more time in silence and bible study. I wonder if it is possible in such a communal setting to refuse entry into a house, even if the house is uncomfortable, new, or one in which a person may be inexperienced.

The village seems to me to be another important way in which to visualize the body metaphor that Paul uses in Romans 12 and elsewhere. Thanks so much for your insight and encouragement.
Fri, April 8, 2011 @ 4:35 PM
2. Freeda Peoples wrote:: Time for a new blog! Share your spiritual wisdom - I miss it! :-)
Tue, December 13, 2011 @ 1:29 PM

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