Spiritual Formation

by Leclerc, Diane; Maddix, Mark A.

• ISBN13: 9780834126138
• ISBN10: 0834126133
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-05-15
• Publisher: Nazarene Pub House

Summary

There is an increased interest in spirituality in our world lately, people have a deep hunger and thirst towards something that transcends them. In Spiritual Formation, Maddix and LeClerc provide a definition of Christian spiritual formation within the Wesleyan paradigm and how faithful disciples can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. In simple terms, this book explains that Spiritual formation refers to the transformation of people into, what C.S. Lewis calls, "little Christs." The book focuses on how people can grow in Christlikeness by participating in reading of Scripture, the "means of grace," the sacraments, and spiritual disciplines. It also provides guidance in matter of self care, spiritual direction, and mentoring, while displaying practical guidelines for adolescents, families, and college students.

Author Biography

Diane Leclerc is professor of historical theology at Northwest Nazarene University. She received her BA at Eastern Nazarene College, her MDiv at Nazarene Theological Seminary, and her PhD at Drew University. She has published many articles and four books, including Discovering Christian Holiness: The Heart of Wesleyan-Holiness Theology. She has served as president of the Wesleyan Theological Society and is a member of Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy. Mark A. Maddix is professor of Christian education and dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministries at Northwest Nazarene University. He earned his BA at Asbury University, his MDiv at Asbury Theological Seminary, and his PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the coauthor of Discovering Discipleship.

Table of Contents

Living the Life: Spiritual Formation Defined	p. 9
Knowing the Scriptures: How to Study the Bible as a Spiritual Practice	p. 18
Eating the Word: How to Read the Bible as Food for the Soul	p. 30
Following the Example: Using the Psalms for Spiritual Formation	p. 39
Being Whole: Holiness and Sanctification as a Wesleyan Paradigm for Spiritual Formation	p. 48
Attaining Perfection: Love for God and Neighbor	p. 65
Finding the Means to the End: Christian Discipleship and Formation Practices	p. 74
Building the Body: The Church as a Means of Grace	p. 87
Worshipping as Created: God's Gift of Communal Worship and the Sacraments	p. 97
Making Time Stand Strong: Spiritual Formation Day by Day	p. 107
Breathing Faith: Christian Prayer and Contemplation	p. 116
Recognizing Our Limitations: The Wisdom of Self-Care	p. 127
Hearing Between the Lines: The Practice of Listening for God	p. 138
Dialoguing as Transformation: Formation Through Encounters with "The Other"	p. 147
Walking the Journey Together: Spiritual Direction and Mentoring	p. 157
Crossing the Boundaries: Spiritual Formation and Cross-Cultural Ministry	p. 167
Displaying Genuine Compassion: Spiritually Transforming the World	p. 176
Laying the Foundation: Spiritually Forming Families	p. 184
Developing True Faith: Spiritually Forming Adolescents	p. 193
Integrating Christlike Character: Spiritually Forming College Students	p. 201
Notes	p. 213
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.