Spiritual Formation in Local Faith Communities

Spiritual formation in our local churches is too often poorly done or it is virtually nonexistent. We developed this innovative approach to spiritual formation in the congregation because it is desperately needed. The prompt cards are used to spark deep reflection and shape potentially life-transforming conversations with a pastor around spiritual practices, spiritual character, personal and social ethics, and emotional well-being. The model was trialed in five countries. We heard time and time again how the six-week process fired a passion to go deeper with Christ. Some reported praying regularly for the first time in decades. Others found the Scriptures coming alive after years of “going through the motions.” In this book, the authors present a simple but powerful method and offer in-depth theological reflection on related issues. Some of the important areas covered are early church approaches to spiritual formation, contemporary spiritual practices, spiritual character, the indissoluble link between spirituality and moral virtue, the spirituality of the pastor, and the positive psychology approach.

Neil Pembroke is the associate professor of Christian Studies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. He is the author of Moving Toward Spiritual Maturity (2007) and Foundations of Pastoral Counselling (2017). Ewan Kelly is a lecturer in healthcare chaplaincy, Glasgow University, Scotland. He is the author of Personhood and Presence (2012). Theo Pleizier is the assistant professor of practical theology, Protestant Theological University, Groningen, Netherlands. He is the author of Religious Involvement in Hearing Sermons (2010). William S. Schmidt is a professor at the Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University, Chicago, USA. He is the author of Walking with Stones: A Spiritual Odyssey on the Pilgrimage to Santiago (2012). Jan-Albert van den Berg is professor of practical theology at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. He is the author of An (Auto)biographical Theologia Habitus: Futures Perspectives for the Workplace (2010).

Ewan Kelly is a lecturer in healthcare chaplaincy, Glasgow University, Scotland. He is the author of Personhood and Presence (2012).

Theo Pleizier is the assistant professor of practical theology, Protestant Theological University, Groningen, Netherlands. He is the author of Religious Involvement in Hearing Sermons (2010).