Resources for Christian Spiritual Formation

[Stanley N. Helton]

The two books I would start with for a "global" (both in the sense of worldwide and comprehensive) treatment of Christian Spiritual Formation would be:

Mursell, Gordon, ed. The Story of Christian Spirituality: Two Thousands Years, From East to West. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2001. This is a pictorial history.

Howard, Evan B. The Brazos Introduction to Christian Spirituality. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2008. This new book is a full treatment of the what of Christian spirituality in a more topical format.

Perhaps you have other suggestions.

[James Nored]

Stanley, thanks for the book references! We're all about books around here.

[Stanley N. Helton]

Since spiritual formation is a weakness in our movement, I want to share in the first few posts resources that will get people into the topic at a deeper level than "here are a few of the spiritual disciplines." Thanks for the opportunity to share through this network.

James Nored said:

Stanley, thanks for the book references! We're all about books around here.

[Rebecca Hope]

Hi Stanley, I have not read the books you have posted for reference...so I am basically inept at what Spiritual Formation is. But, on a lighter lever, in what ways do you think our 'movement' (assuming you mean church of christ) is weak in Spiritual Formation? The reason I ask is that I have some ideas about some weaknesses within our brotherhood and I'm wondering where the paths might cross between the ideas that I think and what you know. -Rebecca

[Stanley N. Helton]

If you are looking for a great "textbook" on Spiritual Formation, let me suggest Kenneth Boa's Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001). Boa outlines the Christian live in twelve facets to make for easier teaching and delivery. I'm currently teaching Christian Spiritual Formation and the students love this text.

If you are interested in something that focuses more on SF in the life of the church, you will want to read James C. Wilhoit, Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008).

Now, if what you really want are some good ideas for practicing Christian spiritual formation, check out Adele Ahlberg Calhoun's Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2005).

I hope you will find these helpful. What other books would suggest for people getting into spiritual formation?

[Stanley N. Helton]

Rebecca, Thanks for chiming in. I'm finding that we kinda all remain inept at this spiritual formation thing. Jesus is ever teaching us. You raise a good point, I would like to start a new discussion with it; as it is important.

Rebecca Hope said:

Hi Stanley, I have not read the books you have posted for reference...so I am basically inept at what Spiritual Formation is. But, on a lighter lever, in what ways do you think our 'movement' (assuming you mean church of christ) is weak in Spiritual Formation? The reason I ask is that I have some ideas about some weaknesses within our brotherhood and I'm wondering where the paths might cross between the ideas that I think and what you know. -Rebecca