What is Formation?

Spiritual formation is the art and practice of learning to live more deeply from the love of God that has been poured into our hearts in Baptism by the Holy Spirit. Unlike traditional ‘Sunday school’ or ‘adult ed’ classes, which seek merely to instill knowledge about the Christian faith in their participants, spiritual formation forms us into the likeness of Christ. To be lovingly formed by Christ into Christ is the ultimate goal of the Christian life; in doing so, we become ever more aware of God’s love for us and our neighbors, and are prepared to go out and serve those most in need. When we live from the sufficiency of God’s love, all of reality becomes cruciform; divisions are torn down, enmities erased, and every person is revealed as a beloved child of the Most High, made in God’s own image.

St. Paul’s spiritual formation offerings are designed to help participants grow in the knowledge and love of God, that each one of us might, in good time, be remade in God’s image. We offer regular Bible studies, opportunities for common prayer, Godly Play sessions for kids, and a variety of other opportunities to grow in faith.

It’s also important to recognize that spiritual formation is not something that takes place only within the confines of the church; becoming like Christ is a 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year endeavor. In the rhythms of daily prayer from the BCP, in self-denying service to others, and in our relationships with our neighbors, we can find new opportunities to draw nearer to the God who loved us first.

Learn more about spiritual formation for adults and young people or check out some other links to formative resources below:

Formation for Children
Young Adult Formation
Adult Formation

More Resources: