Spiritual formation

Formed together.

The lifelong, Spirit-led work of being shaped, in community and through practice, to be with Jesus, become like Him and do what He does.

The formation map

Seven practices, grouped under the three questions we measure everything by. Tap a practice to open it.

Follow Jesus Does the next generation follow Jesus?
Join His mission Do they participate in His mission?
Change their world Does their world look different because of Him?

Practice 1 of 7 Follow Jesus

Prayer & Personal Devotion

The daily conversation by which the relationship with God deepens. Not a ritual, but the rhythm of intimacy.

Philippians 4:6

What we look to see

  • A daily time set aside with God
  • Honest conversation that includes listening, not only asking
  • Growing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, tested against Scripture
  • Worship that holds in hard seasons, not only easy ones

Try this week

Set aside ten minutes a day. Start in the Gospel of John, and end by listening rather than asking.

Read next Entering the Realm of All Possibilities with God Melissa Piper

These practices aren't a way to earn grace. They're how a life caught up in grace grows. Titus 2:11–12

Where are you right now?

Be honest with each practice. Your answers stay in this browser: nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

1Prayer & Personal Devotion
2Worship
3The Word
4Community
5Sharing Your Faith
6Serving
7Giving

Formed leaders form the next generation.

The most effective way to reach the next generation is to strengthen the leaders already reaching them.

  1. 1 A leader is formed Rooted in Christ, sustained by soul care.
  2. 2 Leaders form each other Across churches, isolation gives way to relationship.
  3. 3 Young people are formed Leaders pass on the practices they live.
  4. 4 Their world looks different New leaders emerge, and the cycle repeats.

Six practices leaders keep together

In our model cities, youth and next-gen leaders from different churches meet monthly in Catalytic Communities. What they practice together, they pass on.

Communal prayer
For specific schools and young people, by name.
Scripture reflection
Many voices around the text, not one voice lecturing.
Testimony
Stories build trust; trust builds collaboration.
Communal discernment
Seeking God’s direction and deciding together.
Service & justice
Coordinated action for the good of the city.
Hospitality
Every gathering opens around a meal.

Lead from a formed life.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Philippians 1:6