Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. -Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
What is spiritual formation?
In the Web article Spiritual Formation: What it is, and How it is Done (dwillard.org, 2024), Dallas Willard Ministries explains:
“Spiritual formation in the tradition of Jesus Christ is the process of transformation of the inmost dimension of the human being, the heart, which is the same as the spirit or will. It is being formed (really, transformed) in such a way that its natural expression comes to be the deeds of Christ done in the power of Christ.
….those processes through which people are inwardly transformed in such a way that the personality and deeds of Jesus Christ naturally flow out from them when and wherever they are. In other words, it can be understood as the process by which true Christlikeness is established in the very depths of our being.”
Who needs spiritual formation?
In reality, we are all in the process of being spiritually formed. However, what we are being formed into depends on what we are focused on. The truth is, God is already present in every moment; spiritual formation helps us shift our focus to pay attention and recognize his constant presence. Life is full of distractions and responsibilities that cause us to become scattered and hurried with little time left for paying attention to our spiritual life. When we operate in the tyranny of the urgent, we pay a heavy price in our growth toward wholeness. Spiritual Formation, specifically Christian Formation, offers help for those who desire to travel with Jesus by giving space for God. As we become disciplined in spending time with God, we learn to experience God in everyday living.
Spiritual Formation at SBPC
There are a number of spiritual formation resources here at SBPC in addition to Sunday worship.
Individual - Each sermon series inspires a new music playlist and Readings & Resources list designed to enhance your personal time with God. These songs, videos and reading recommendations aim to deepen and widen our engagement with the Sermon series topic. These Readings and Resources can be found on the SBPC Quicklinks Page.
Small Group - Sermon-based small groups provide a place to practice a brief contemplative Christian practice, to pray, consider and discuss the Sunday scripture and sermon topic in a small group setting. Carefully curated Small Group Questions guides are provided to everyone on Sundays during the small groups sessions. There are typically three small group sessions each year: Fall, Winter & Spring, with varied topical Summer Studies happening through the Summer months. Find out more about small groups and sign up here.
Large Group - SBPC offers All-Church Formation retreats multiple times each year (Fall, Winter & Spring). These are partial-day events open to the whole church. Previous retreats topics include: Community, Being Present (spiritual practices), Shalom, Justice, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and what it means to be Called.
For more information or questions, contact Candice Richey Womack, Associate Pastor at Candice@solanapres.org or Kristi Kincheloe, Coordinator for Adult Discipleship & Worship at Kristi@solanapres.org.
