Bible Reading, Power Dynamics and Disciplines, & Dallas Willard’s Relationship with God
Show Notes
On the season finale of Friends in Formation, Tiana and James get input from Becky Willard Heatley (daughter of Dallas Willard) on what Dallas’ relationship with God was like. James and Tiana also answer listener questions on how to read beyond favorite parts of the Bible and how power dynamics play into disciplines and spiritual formation.
Listener questions from the episode
- Linda: My question is in regards to the Word of God. I’ve been enjoying praying the Psalms and meditating on scripture for a long time. I love doing that. Not too long ago I was encouraged that I needed to have a study of the entire word because I was focusing more on verses that just appealed to me like in the Psalms… verses about comfort and security and stuff. But I was encouraged that there was a lot of the word of God that I didn’t know and I didn’t know how to incorporate it in my private devotions. So I just wondered if there are some helps that could be useful to incorporate them both.
- Joy: Is there a context for approaching the disciplines that considers who has power and who doesn’t? How do I engage with these disciplines in ways that do not diminish or demean my personhood as a child of God? How do you who teach the disciplines consider these dynamics of power as you teach and practice the disciplines?
- What was Dallas Willard’s relationship with God?
Serve What You’re Cooking
- Recommended by Tiana — Soaking in His Presence (and other albums) Instrumental worship by William Augusto, 2019
- Recommended by James—Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard by Dave Ripper, IVP 2025
Also Mentioned in the Episode
- The Dialogue by Madam Guyon, Classics of Western Spirituality Paulist Press 1980
- Renovaré Listening Groups — https://renovare.org/lg
- Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan, David C Cook 2013
- Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren, IVP 2016
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Tiana Spencer
Tiana Spencer is a Bible teacher, preacher, and story-informed spiritual formation guide with decades of ministry experience. Holding a Biblical Studies degree from Biola University and trained in trauma-informed care through The Allender Center, she teaches at the intersection of Scripture and personal story. As the founder of Intentionally Her, Tiana is passionate about creating emotionally safe spaces where people of all backgrounds can experience healing, freedom, and joy in the presence of God.
Rebecca Willard Heatley
Rebecca Willard Heatley has been engaged in furthering the work of Dallas Willard since becoming his ministry assistant in January of 2000. Her work includes establishing Dallas’ website (www.DWillard.org) in 2001, assembling the articles collected in The Great Omission (2006), transcribing and editing The Allure of Gentleness (2015), and co-editing Life Without Lack (2018 with Larry Burtoft). Her ministry efforts also include working with Dallas Willard Ministries to expand the visibility of Dallas’ work, helping with the efforts of the Dallas Willard Research Center and serving on the board of the Apprentice Institute.
James Catford
James Catford has spent his career at the intersection of publishing, leadership, and spiritual formation, working with many authors closely connected to Renovaré. He led the British Bible Society for fourteen years, founded the think tank Theos, and later chaired SPCK, the UK’s largest Christian publisher. He now serves as founding chair of the Center for Christianity and Public Life in Washington, D.C., and on the board of the Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is married to Sue, a former TV anchor and media executive.
Richella Parham
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.