Towards a Deeper Formation in Christ
When I look back (hindsight is always 20/20) I can recognize that some of the more powerful moments of my Christian formation came from engaging in authentic and intentional community; I can share many but allow me to share one powerful personal example.
In my early twenties while in the Air Force I had recently returned to practicing my Christian faith in earnest. I was part of a dynamic and fruitful young adult ministry at the church I was attending. Our gatherings and relationships were powerful and we were seeing many wonderful works of God. At the same time, I had entered into a romantic relationship that was sinful and toxic, though I wouldn’t allow myself to acknowledge it (the heart will try to justify just about anything!)
It wasn’t until one of my spiritual friends took a risk to engage me on it. One evening at about 11:30 he called me and said we needed to talk. It was there at Taco Bell in the middle of night that we prayed, I confessed, and we sought Christ’s forgiveness together. Who knew that kind of healing could take place in Taco Bell?! The next day I took steps to ending the relationship and moved forward and deeper in my relationship with God.
Because of the commitment we had made to one another to put Christ first and help each other (in love) remain accountable to that, he was able to rebuke me and I was able to receive it. It was through intentional community that I was made to see how I was living two separate lives. That a false self had taken root and I was living a dangerous lie. I thank God for that moment and that relationship. It changed the course of my life and moved me more towards a deeper formation in Christ.
The Task of the Church
“Go! Make disciples of all people. Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Jesus, Mathew 28:19-20
Making disciples is the mission of the church. But what does that entail? Making disciples is not merely getting people to read the Bible more, or go to church more, or serve more. When Jesus said that we are to baptize people in the name of the Trinity, he is pointing to the transformative work that takes place in people of faith through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. That is, when we are baptized, we are set on course to take on the life and purposes of God. We are to learn from him. His life is to become our life. His kingdom is to become our kingdom. Paul says this in Galatians 3:27
27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Yet making disciples and experiencing transformation is a process. It’s not something that simply happens. It takes intentionality, dedication, and effort.
Christian formation is a communal process
Nearly every book on discipleship, ancient and contemporary, articulates the need for intentional community. The fact is that we all need each other’s help. We cannot do life alone and we definitely cannot do life in Christ without other Christians. James Wilhoit, the Scripture Press Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry at Wheaton College, says in his book
Christian spiritual formation refers to the intentional communal process of growing in our relationship with God and becoming conformed to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
He further spells out 6 characteristics that are involved: 1) it is intentional. 2) it is communal. 3) requires our engagement. 4) is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. 5) is for the glory of God and service of others. 6) has at its means and end the imitation of Christ.
If we are a church and this is our task, how are we to do this?
CSP Formation Groups
If we desire to see ourselves and one another transformed into the image and character of Christ, we need a plan and a process. This is where CSP Formation Groups come into view. I have already introduced you to the concept of the micro group with last fall’s study. I know that some of your groups have continued even after completing the study. That’s absolutely beautiful and exactly what we want!
While there is no magical number, the micro group will generally stay under 6 members. They are kept small for good reason. While it should never be forced, the relationships that exist in these formation groups are set up for hospitality that breeds vulnerability and leads to transformation. This takes time, but it is nevertheless the goal. It’s much easier (and wiser at times) to share vulnerably within a smaller group than with say groups of 10 to 12 others. It is for this reason that Greg Ogden, the father of the modern “micro group” model says that “micro groups are spiritual formation accelerators.” He simply means that in the smaller setting we tend to open ourselves up to the process of transformation quicker and with greater effectiveness.
Hospitality —> Vulnerability —> Transformation
It is my hope and desire that every member of CSP is connected to others in a Formation Group. There are two main ways to be in a group: you can simply ask another member to start one with you, or you can contact the office and we will work to plug you in with others who are also looking for a group.
What do CSP Formation Groups do?
The Formation Group will be intentional in engaging in four key practices:
Praying for one another
Listening and submitting to the Spirit of Christ through study
Practicing hospitality
Sharing authentically
These key practices are the bedrock of Christian community and are necessary for transformation. Each of these will be explained in greater detail in future posts. But for now, they are clear enough for you to get started. You won’t do it perfectly in the beginning (or ever for that matter), but like everything else in life, we learn through participating in the process.
How often do Formation Groups meet?
With intentionality being key, how often your group meets is up to the group. Weekly is best, yet often unrealistic given challenges with schedules. (This is another reason smaller groups work; the fewer schedules the easier to get together!) Every other week is also good. We do not recommend meeting less frequently than twice a month. Meeting in person is preferred and obviously the best option, though virtual meetings can be great alternatives when necessary. In addition to the meeting schedule, its helpful to establish communications for regular encouragement and sharing, such as a group text message, or email thread.
Toward a deeper formation in Christ
All of this is for the sake of answering the call that Christ has given us - to help move each other toward a deeper formation in Christ. By engaging in this process we will experience greater growth in the fruit of the spirit, a more sensitive ear for God’s voice, become at home with our true selves and help others do the same. I believe that if we commit ourselves to this process, we will find ourselves experiencing all the promises and healing that God has given us in Christ. Together we can do it.
I am in! Will you join me?
