A Spiritual Formation Workbook - Revised edition: Small Group Resources for Nurturing Christian Growth

Here's a short list of why I've worked with this book multiple times, and will do so again:- It is not a bible study, yet each section contains a gospel passage which shows how the "stream" of the Church we are looking at that week (be it Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Evangelical, Compassionate, Incarnational) is grounded in the teaching and example of Christ. In this way, each week's lesson, discussion and practices are centered in Christ and grounded in the wisdom of the saints that have gone before us.- It is participatory. It is easy and recommended to have a different person in the group lead week to week, but the readings and discussion always incorporate everyone in the group regardless of who leads. But most importantly, by ending each meeting with a time to review the suggested practices, with each person choosing a practice to try until the next meeting, this book is designed not just to convey information, but to alter one's way of life, and to get exposure to and experience with the many ways that God interacts and through people. Having a time close to the beginning of each meeting to discuss what we've learned from the exercises through the week changes the culture of the group as well as the thinking and habits of the participants--not just during the meeting, but in their actual lives.- It is balanced. By focusing each lesson on a different "stream" of the historic Church, working through this book is, often, like the Spirit, both a comfort and a challenge. The book does a great job of showing how Jesus himself was deeply contemplative, holy, charismatic, compassionate, evangelical, and incarnational, and, therefore, the Church has always noticed and followed, even if we don't all follow or emphasize each of these aspects of Christ's life and work. By going beyond just reading about these different "streams" or areas of emphasis, we get to know Christ better, get to appreciate the strengths of familiar and unfamiliar parts of the Church, and are challenged to be go further with and in Christ, with wisdom of the historic Church, beyond the often unspoken and unjustified limits of our past experience.- It is irenic to the Church and profoundly faithful to Christ. Because this workbook ends up having the effect of leading participants to love Christ more, and often with parts of themselves that have not been previously consciously part of that effort, as well as helping participants to become more gracious and humble toward disparate branches of the Church, it encourages real growth in obedience to the commands that Jesus said were the greatest of all: To love God, with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.In our church, and in conjunction with another church not of the same denomination, we now go through this book once a year, and use pieces of it throughout the year. We encourage non-Christians, brand new Christians, and long-time Christians to participate. We've seen good results across the board and look forward to more.

As Christians, many of our spiritual lives are not balance. This book looks at the life of Jesus and the movements that came out those same expressions in the life of Jesus. The book showed me that I focused too heavily on the Social Justice side. While the book suggest working with at least four other people, I had a wonderful experience working with two. Time will invested.

I did this as a Bible study. I very much enjoyed the discussion questions and reflections. I would recommend that if you do with a group you keep each other accountable for practicing the exercises during the week/month.

James Bryan Smith has made it really easy to get a spiritual formation group established with this workbook. There is zero preparation time needed for the leader because the group does their preliminary work together. The easy to understand instructions are plainly written in the margins giving step by step directions for the leader. Discussion questions are well worded and help the group make practical application of the material that is read aloud.The best part of the workbook is the weekly assignments. Each member of the group chooses between 4-5 possible assignments at the end of each chapter. The first part of the next week's meeting is reporting what each individual learned through the particular discipline they choose to do during the week. The end of each week's meeting is a recitation of the Lord's Prayer in unsion as the group stands and joins hands. I find the ending to be a wonderful bonding experience.

We are using this in our 9 member Small Group. It is just the right depth, helps us dig in without being intimidating. The shared leadership style has been extremely helpful in taking pressure off one person to be the "leader." We all read the chapter in advance. At our gathering we have one person read a section out loud as directed and then go around in order (alternating starting to the left and right.) Anyone can pass but few do. We have been meeting every other week for three years. This resource has been the best since we did the three Good and Beautiful books also by James Bryan Smith. I HIGHLY recommend it.

YOU FOUND IT! I don't know of a better small group resource. I've been through this workbook several different times with several different groups, everything from teens to pastors. I've always been pleased.Two aspects of this study sticks out to me.First, the wealth of companion material from Renovare. You will not run out of ways to challenge the members of your small group.Second, the respect that is shown for believers in different Christian traditions. Renovare is distinctly and unashamedly Christian. It is not popular philosophy dressed up in Christian language. Yet, this book, as with other Renovare resources, value the distinctives that make up the different major themes in Christian thought. This could cause discomfort for those who are locked into a very narrow version of the faith.

I am using many of the ideas for a new small group at our church. The provides a 9-10 plan for a small group with plenty of support for a novice leader and good ideas for those with more experience. How my people will adapt to and adapt from these idea we'll see. I have enjoyed reading it and pulling fresh ideas from it! Now, to put it into practice shortly!

I have been utilizing this book in my own spiritual journey for the last 4 years. The growth and depth of relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ is amazing and truly transforming.I am the director of a leadership development program for my denomination. We are now utilizing this book as a part of our training with wonderful results. The students have all commented on the deepening of their relationships with each other and most especially a new understanding and deepening of their relationship with Christ. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is serious about becoming a devoted disciple of Christ.

Another copy to share. Excellent book. I hope to use with a group.

Excellently put together course that really challenges one to bring clarity and commitment to one's life as a Christian. The small group discussions that the course has generated have been immensely valuable to me and, I think, to all concerned.

It is a fantastic resource for Christians to grow in their spiritual life and i would recommend it highly Ann V

When we turn to God and Jesus, it is an amazing moment.However, through the years we start to question ourselves how to become more similar to Jesus, and how to be a true disciple.This book helped me to answer the questions "How could I be more like Jesus? what "actions" could I do?".Totally recomend it for those who are looking for information on how to become a better disciple.

The staff at our church are going through this book. It is easy to follow and a simple way to introduce Spiritual formation into your small group or church.