“I want to ask a very elementary question because I’m not certain of the answer,” one podcast listener asked. ​“Exactly what is spiritual formation? Can you explain it to me in layman’s terms?”

I’m really glad they asked. Because sometimes certain words and phrases become insider language, and sometimes even insiders throw them around without remembering what they mean. And even when we know what it means, it never hurts to review.

On the Friends in Formation podcast, James, Richella, and Nathan offer a wonderful 15-minute overview of spiritual formation from a few different perspectives. 

For this space, I’ll refer to Dallas Willard’s introduction to spiritual formation in the Renovation of the Heart.

Dallas’s writing is like intensely dark chocolate — good for savoring but overwhelming if you bite off too much. So I’ve split some paragraphs into phrases so we can slow down and take it in. 

- — - — -
We live from our heart [or spirit or will].

The part of us that drives and organizes our life is not the physical. This remains true even if we deny it.

You have a spirit and it has been formed. This is true of everyone.

Spiritual formation
is the process
by which the human spirit or will
is given a definite ​“form” or character.
- — - — -

This is spiritual formation in the broad sense, without regard to any specific religious context. Athiest, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian… every human being has an internal driving force — call it heart, spirit, or will (our ​“chooser”) — that has been shaped by that person’s experiences, circumstances, and choices.

Now what is Christian spiritual formation? Willard again:

- — - — -
For the Christian,
spiritual formation refers to
the Spirit-driven process
of forming the inner world
of the human self
in such a way
that it becomes
like the inner being
of Christ himself.
- — - — -

So Christian spiritual formation is the process of our hearts becoming more like Jesus’ heart, until we choose what Jesus would choose if he were us. 

This Spirit-driven process of transformation isn’t automatic. It requires our cooperation through grace-filled means: practices, hands-on learning, community. Helping people access these means and live a flourishing life with Jesus is why Renovaré exists.

Well, I feel a little clearer on that now! Hope it was helpful for you, too.