Free PDF Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community

Free PDF Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community

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Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community

Free PDF Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community

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From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. The title of this tightly woven, consistently challenging meditation on Christian spiritual formation serves notice that this book is going to be more than another self-help manual. Indeed, Wheaton College professor Wilhoit, author of The Christian Educator's Handbook on Spiritual Formation, asserts that although developing Christlikeness in its members is the church's main job, many congregations have either abandoned old practices without developing new ones or have relied on stratagems instead of on God's grace. Because he views spiritual growth as a lifelong process, Wilhoit delineates a communal perspective on responding to Jesus' invitation to love God and neighbor, emphasizing shared practice and learning. His four pillars of formation include receiving, or being open to God's grace; remembering, or understanding who we are and why we were created; responding in service to neighbors and the world; and building relationships in the context of community. In alternating chapters, Wilhoit gives readers theological and biblical foundations for each principle, then suggests a set of practices. While it would be easy to get lost in the sober volume, this skilled writer uses many pedagogical tools to keep his audience focused. Clearly written from an evangelical perspective, this cogent and passionate book deserves to have wide appeal. (Feb.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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From the Back Cover

"James Wilhoit has written a book of special urgency for our times. . . . With a warm heart and a gentle and intelligent manner, [he] helps us see, in great detail, what we can do to relocate spiritual transformation at the center of what we do in gathering as disciples of Jesus. He helps any serious person engage the project from where they are, discover what really works for Christlikeness and what doesn't, and assess outcomes realistically to make needed adjustments as they go."--Dallas Willard (from the foreword)"Clearly written from an evangelical perspective, this cogent and passionate book deserves to have wide appeal."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Wilhoit presents an exciting paradigm for spiritual transformation in the community of faith--God's setting for transformation. It is a seminal work that I trust will be taken seriously."--Larry Richards, author and distinguished educator, North American Professors of Christian Education"Theologically grounded, educationally sound, and gracious in tone, Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered is a robust response to Dallas Willard's challenge to the church to give greater attention to congregation-wide spiritual formation. Pastors and church teachers will appreciate this rich resource--well versed in the spiritual formation literature, with its summaries, stories, and practical steps--to guide and discern growth toward Christlikeness."--Klaus Issler, author of Wasting Time with God: A Christian Spirituality of Friendship with God"Wilhoit offers a means for the church to provide an accessible pathway for growth in the ordinary events, relationships, and brokenness of our lives. This lovely work nourished my heart, instructed my mind, and opened my spirit to the Spirit of Christ."--Adele Calhoun, pastor of spiritual formation, Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL"Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered is the mature fruit of a devout scholar. Here Jim Wilhoit weaves theory, passion, and practice together into a rich re-presentation of the gospel for the local church. He takes the discussion about spiritual formation an important step forward, shifting the emphasis from private pursuit to corporate culture. Sensitive to the seldom-noticed dangers along the path of growth toward Christlikeness, this book is loaded with wisdom for those who desire to facilitate communities of formation."--Evan Howard, author of The Brazos Introduction to Christian Spirituality

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Product details

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Baker Academic (February 1, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 9780801027765

ISBN-13: 978-0801027765

ASIN: 0801027764

Product Dimensions:

6 x 0.6 x 9 inches

Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review:

4.6 out of 5 stars

24 customer reviews

Amazon Best Sellers Rank:

#339,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

The title of this book gives its direction. So much spiritual formation (his word for discipleship) tends to be treated as though being formed in Christ might take place primarily in private. Wilhoit argues against this and says that discipleship is meant to take place in the context of community. Bill Hull, who has written extensively on discipleship, explains that discipleship in the New Testament moves from being centered in Christ as he is physically present to a new context where the church is the main context. Wilhoit states, "Spiritual formation is the task of the church. Period" (15). The church is to be a "transformative culture" 913).His definition of spiritual formation is that it is both intentional and communal (23). He explains spiritual formation by means of three biblical images: life and nurture, journey and struggle, and life and resurrection (24-26). He also points out that being formed as a believer means not seeing the gospel as the beginning but permeating the whole of Christian experience. This reviewer agrees whole-heartedly with his statement: "A bifurcation of salvation into a grace-filled regeneration followed by a human-striving sanctification leads to so many spiritual sorrows. The gospel is the power of God for the beginning, middle, and end of salvation. It is not merely what we need to proclaim to unbelievers; the gospel also needs to permeate our entire Christian experience" (27).The author then explains Christ's gracious invitations to us as receiving, remembering, and relating done personally and in community. Anyone concerned about discipleship as primary in the church will profit from each aspect of these three experiences.The book has twelve corollaries as each aspect of spiritual formation is summed up in a precise way. This book provides a "way" of discipleship that is organic rather than programmed. One lack, however, in his how baptism and the Lord's Supper are means of spiritual formation as if the church mattered.

I have just finished reading the book and found it to be very challenging from a praxis standpoint. It will take some time to review and digest all Wilhoit has suggested here. The model he proposes has the advantage of being able to be clearly communicated and is thoroughly biblical. The breadth of this use of resources, both ancient and recent, is impressive. The implications for how the Church approaches spiritual formation and discipleship are profound. There is a great deal of value here and much that needs to be appropriated in the Church, generally, and in my church, specifically. I would highly suggest this book. It has already had a profound effect on my thinking and my sense is that it’s influence will only grow. I highly recommend this book.

If I had to sum up three reasons why you should read this book here they are: (1) this book is Gospel-centered not only in word but in truth. The author sets out at the beginning of the book to clarify what Gospel-centered spiritual formation looks like (23-32). And the rest of the book ties back to this concept. Time and again you'll find warnings against legalism and appropriate ways to apply the Gospel to particulars. (2) This book follows a simple paradigm. While I could fault Wilhoit's categories with a little overlap, he lays out four dimensions of spiritual formation that are necessary for the growth of the believer. These are Receiving, Responding, Remembering, and Relating. He fleshes out all four of these and shows their necessity and then how they can be implemented in the church. (3) This book remains church-oriented without becoming overly prescriptive. The author makes some specific suggestions from time to time, but overall Wilhoit gives a solid philosophy and biblical theology and gives some pointers on application. This book is not another program for church growth. It is a way of thinking -- a paradigm of how we should go about helping believers grow in Christ.

Son needed this book and several others to continue his college education. He will receive his graduate degree this spring, so the information was improtant and helpful. Prices were very reasonable and service prompt!

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