Where to Begin, Being Known, and the Role of Obedience
This Week’s Listener Questions
- From Gaylene — Hi from Tasmania, Australia. I’m relatively new to spiritual formation after forming a spiritual formation group last year. I’ve gathered books by Jan Johnson, Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Adele Calhoun etc. My question: What do I “tackle first”? I feel like a kid in a candy shop.
- From Mark — I long to be known for who I really am and know others that way too. What are some practical things I can do to move into that kind of community?
- From Dan — While we cooperate in this spiritual formation project into christlikeness, what is the role of obedience — simply gritting our teeth and doing it (or not doing it as the case may be). What role does this kind of wilful obedience have in our ultimate reformation (while we wait for the slow process of inside out change)?
Mentioned
- A Spiritual Formation Primer by Richella Parham, available as a free download on renovare.org
- Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
Foster’s classic map of the spiritual disciplines shows us how God uses practices like prayer, fasting, simplicity, and service to form Christlike character. - The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
Willard reframes the Christian life around apprenticeship to Jesus, showing how spiritual disciplines are the ordinary means by which we are formed into Christlikeness. - Three great books by Jan Johnson:
- Enjoying the Presence of God
On the theme of waking up to life with God. Start here to ground everything in the with-God life — learning to notice God’s presence in ordinary moments rather than treating spirituality as something separate. - When the Soul Listens
On the theme of learning to listen. This book will help you move from awareness into attentiveness, discovering prayer as a two-way relationship marked by silence, receptivity, and trust. - Meeting God in Scripture: A Hands-On Guide to Lectio Divina
On the theme of encountering God in Scripture. Now bring that listening posture to the Bible through lectio divina , allowing Scripture to shape the heart rather than just inform the mind.
- Enjoying the Presence of God
Serve What You’re Cooking
What the cast is currently reading, watching, and listening to.
- Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible Like Dallas Willard by Dave Ripper
- Recommended by Richella — The Count of Monte Cristo (limited series on PBS)
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Brandon Rickabaugh
Brandon Rickabaugh, PhD, is a philosopher and author specializing in the philosophy of consciousness, the soul, and spiritual formation. As the founder of NOVUS, he directs projects exploring the intersection of AI applications, the soul, and human flourishing in contemporary life and culture.
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.