What is spiritual formation?

Definition and Overview

Spiritual formation refers to the intentional process of growing in character and faith, aligning one’s inner life and outward actions to reflect life in God. It involves cultivating virtues such as love, meekness, humility, and spiritual discipline, with the goal of becoming more like Christ. In the words of Scripture, “But we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation is not merely academic or ritualistic; it is a holistic reshaping of the believer’s heart, mind, behavior, and relationships.

Biblical Foundation

Throughout Scripture, spiritual formation is described as a lifelong journey of conforming to God’s will (Romans 12:2), enriched by the Holy Spirit’s presence (Galatians 5:22–23). It is rooted in the greatest commandments: loving God and loving one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39). Spiritual formation, then, is not only learning about God’s truth but also embodying that truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible frequently highlights the necessity of disciplined spiritual growth. Passages such as 1 Timothy 4:7–8 underscore the pursuit of godliness, while John 15:4–5 reinforces the supportive, abiding relationship with Christ. These biblical texts testify to the centrality of formation for every believer, establishing it as a core principle in understanding spiritual life.

Historical Emergence

In early Christianity, spiritual formation was deeply tied to discipleship, prayer, and communal worship. Documents tracing to the first centuries, such as letters from early Church leaders and monastic writings, reveal how believers followed specific practices—extended times of prayer, fasting, and mentorship—to cultivate spiritual maturity.

Archaeological finds and early Christian manuscripts validate the importance these communities placed on living out their faith consistently. The Dead Sea Scrolls (while pre-dating the Church era, yet illuminating Second Temple worship practices) and New Testament papyri fragments underscore how ancient believers carefully preserved and transmitted teachings on devotion, moral uprightness, and transformation.

Key Components

1. Scripture Engagement

Regular reading, study, and meditation on the Word shapes the mind (Psalm 1:2). Modern manuscript evidence—closely studied by experts like Dr. James White and Dr. Dan Wallace—shows remarkable textual consistency, affirming that believers today have accurate access to teachings that have formed Christians for millennia.

2. Prayer and Communion with God

Intimate fellowship with God through prayer reorients priorities, leading to deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:6–7). Historical church records show how consistent prayer disciplines fortified early believers in times of persecution and societal pressure.

3. Community and Discipleship

Spiritual formation occurs within a body of fellow believers (Acts 2:42–47). Mentorship relationships, small group gatherings, and participation in corporate worship provide accountability and encouragement in growth. Outside writings, such as those by early monastics in Egypt, describe how communal prayer and counsel anchored believers in lifelong transformation.

4. Service and Mission

Formation is incomplete without putting faith into action. As James writes, “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead” (James 2:17). Service opportunities, both local and global, refine character and align believers with God’s heart for others.

5. Personal Reflection and Repentance

Taking inventory of motives and actions paves the way for repentance, resulting in a renewed commitment to obedience (1 John 1:9). Historical revivals and personal testimonies—collected in works like those of Jonathan Edwards—attest that self-examination leads to fresh spiritual vitality.

Practical Steps

1. Establish a Sacred Rhythm

Setting aside time for daily scripture engagement, prayer, and reflection creates the environment for God’s transforming work. Contemporary behavioral research highlights how consistent habits shape identity, aligning with biblical teachings on renewed minds.

2. Integrate Worship into Daily Life

Worship is not confined to formal meetings. Singing psalms, offering thanksgiving, and maintaining an attitude of praise throughout the day deepen spiritual awareness. Modern studies on gratitude in the field of psychology further indicate that thankfulness promotes emotional and spiritual health.

3. Seek Instruction and Accountability

Learning from mature believers, whether through structured discipleship programs or informal mentoring, helps clarify theology and forms practical habits. Nearly every revival in church history—verified by diaries and correspondence—features accountable relationships that catalyzed spiritual formation in entire communities.

4. Practice Spiritual Disciplines

Disciplines like fasting, meditation on Scripture, confession, and Sabbath rest cultivate dependence on God. They guard against the distractions of everyday life, steering believers back to a Christ-centered mindset that fosters spiritual growth.

Examples from Scripture

- Moses: His transformation from hesitant speaker to bold leader grew out of communion with God (Exodus 3–4).

- David: In the Psalms, David’s journey of repentance and worship demonstrates a heart continually formed by God.

- Paul: Initially a persecutor of Christians, he was reshaped to become a devoted apostle through Christ’s redemption and consistent submission to God’s leading (Galatians 1:13–24).

Spiritual Formation in the Early Church

Accounts from the post-apostolic era detail how spiritual growth was pursued alongside defending foundational doctrines. New converts were discipled in the teachings of the apostles, many of which are preserved in early Christian writings and church creeds. Manuscript preservation, confirmed by extensive scholarly work, shows reverence for the Bible’s inspired text as the guiding authority for shaping both belief and conduct.

Modern Considerations

While methods and cultural contexts differ, the essence of spiritual formation remains the same: encountering God and inviting Him to transform character and conduct. Contemporary works in Christian apologetics—from researchers such as Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, and William Lane Craig—help verify the trustworthiness of the resurrection and Scriptural claims, grounding spiritual formation not in myth but in historical reality. Insights from cognitive science, alongside philosophical perspectives, also support the idea that a consistent, practiced discipline fosters genuine change.

Conclusion

Spiritual formation is the deliberate fostering of Christlike character and communion with God through Scripture, prayer, community, and service. It hinges upon the resurrection reality—“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14)—demonstrating the transformative power inaugurated in Jesus’ victory over death.

True spiritual formation integrates the mind, heart, and will under God’s direction, producing a life that reflects His glory and purposes in the world. As believers experience this comprehensive work, they fulfill their highest calling to “glorify God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) and become instruments of His love, grace, and truth in every sphere of life.