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Show Notes
In this episode, James, Richella, and Nate attempt to explain spiritual formation in layman’s terms, and address questions about fasting and struggling with feeling ill-will toward others.
- [1:18] Can you explain spiritual formation in layman’s terms?
- [15:50] Fasting — I’m totally sold on the idea of fasting, and I’ve read a lot of material on fasting, and even given a few devotional lessons on fasting, yet I’m still struggling with even wanting to fast or getting the results I hope to get – an increased sense of the Lord’s presence, spiritual breakthroughs in some personal issues. I struggle with answers to prayer. Please help.
- [34:03] I’m experiencing greater levels of ill-will toward others, and I’m concerned about where this ill will is coming from. Do you have advice on how to handle it?
Resources Mentioned
Upcoming Renovaré Events with This Guest
Gathering
RēGathering
LaGrange, GA
June 19–21, 2025
RēGathering is a three-day gathering from Renovaré... a space to recenter our scattered minds and souls on Jesus, remind one another of the beauty of the Trinity, and be refreshed and renewed. Join us for meals, music, worship, teaching, talking, silence, and laughter.
WITH
Carolyn
Arends,
Christopher A.
Hall,
Rebecca
DeYoung,
Siang-Yang
Tan,
Miriam
Dixon,
Brandan
Spencer,
Grace
Pouch,
Ted
Harro,
Richella
Parham,
Nathan
Foster,
Tina
Dyer,
James
Catford,
Brian
Morykon,
Jonathan
Bailey,
Linda
Christians,
Margaret
Campbell,
Melody
Leeper
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During a career in commercial publishing, James worked with many of the authors most closely associated with Renovaré and he now chairs SPCK, the largest Christian publisher in the UK. After fourteen years leading the British Bible Society James also works with American Bible Society to support Christians in leadership around the world. He lives with his wife Sue in London.
Read his full bio.
Richella is Chair of the Renovaré Board of Trustees. With a background in small business, education, and church leadership, Richella is a speaker and the author of Mythical Me (IVP) and A Spiritual Formation Primer. She is the mother of three young adult sons and lives with her husband Jack in Durham, North Carolina. Read her full bio and connect with Richella at richellajparham.com.
Nathan Foster is an author and host of Life With God, a Renovaré Podcast. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor of social work and served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University. He was also a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor. Nathan has published two books, including The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines.
