Adults .. Spiritual Formation

the Journey

The first question that often arises is, “what is spiritual formation?” Let us be clear that spiritual formation in not simply a new name for discipleship. Rather, spiritual formation is entering a journey in Christ of personal transformation. The journey takes us on a path to becoming a new creature that Christ forms in us by the work of His Spirit. The journey gives priority to the inner self where the Spirit dwells. The transformation then moves from the inside out. This is why Christ Himself over and over emphasizes the heart.

In March of 2006, our congregation was introduced to the world of spiritual formation through a lecture series by Dr. John Coe, Director of the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology. Since then, we have had 6 sessions of our introductory course in Spiritual Formation called The Journey, with another session starting in January of 2013. Here’s what past participants had to say about The Journey:

“I love going deeper in my understanding of how the Holy Spirit is working.”

“I have been blessed by the people I’ve met through The Journey class and the materials I’ve studied. And I look forward to continuing using these tools to grow in God’s grace.”

“The Journey was a great time of getting to know my Lord, my fellow journeyers and myself. It     reminded me to keep focused on the light at the end of the tunnel; it’s all about Him.”

When is The Journey? The Journey will meet most Mondays, January 14 through May 20, 2013, and on Saturday morning, January 26.

What is the cost of The Journey? The cost for each participant will be $100. The fee will cover all expenses related to the program at the church (i.e., notebooks, materials, leaders expenses, lecture notes, lecture CDs and other program materials). After acceptance to The Journey, payment in full must be received by January 7, 2013. In addition, each participant will be taking a 48 hour personal retreat in April or May which they will pay for separately.

Readiness for The Journey: A ministry of this nature is not always beneficial or appropriate for every believer. Therefore, we will be asking each person who wishes to participate to apply for the program and to provide references to ascertain his or her readiness. The application and reference forms can be submitted on line by clicking below.

The Journey application
The Journey reference
The Journey information sheet

If you have further questions, please contact .

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING about the JOURNEY:

“This was an experience in connecting with God more deeply and authentically than I ever have before.”

“God’s grace and love, in spite of my sin and brokenness, has been the sweetest freedom for me.”

“I was raised in a Christian home, but didn’t really know God. I learned who my Heavenly Father truly is."

“Through The Journey, I have experienced a breakout from the dry and ‘lost’ spiritual life I had been living.”

“The Journey has rekindled the hope that there is so much more to life with God than I have ever experienced.”

Through the process of The Journey, we have begun to discipline our lives to make space for God and to listen to God’s still small voice. This has enriched our relationship with God like never before … loving Him more deeply with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength (the “great commandment” according to Jesus).

All Journey graduates are invited to participate in Community where we will focus on the second most significant commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). In Community, we will investigate how this formation of the Spirit of God impacts the lives of others around us. We will conduct a theological and experiential exploration into human relationships as we discuss topics such as: the Trinitarian Model of Relationship, Characteristics of Covenant Relationships, Trust (attachment), God Image (distorted attachment) and Dealing with Sin (world, flesh and devil). Application for each topic will be made as it relates to the family and the church. Dr. Judy TenElshof, professor of spiritual formation at the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology, will be guiding us through the 12 sessions using a format similar to The Journey – lecture, group direction and prayer projects.

Community is a 12 week course that will be held on Monday evenings, August 27 through December 17 (no session on 9/17, 10/8, 10/29 or 11/19). Cost for Community if $50 per person. Contact Sheri Moody ( or 714.257.4370) with questions.

PLEASE NOTE: Completion of The Journey is a prerequisite.