Foundations of Spiritual Formation takes a unique approach to its subject, arguing that we become like Christ in the context of authentic, Christian community. Without undermining individual Bible study, private prayer, and meditation, the authors emphasize these pursuits for the purpose of both personal and community enrichment-that the whole body, as well as the individual, may be built up.

Part 1 lays the
groundwork of spiritual formation. Jonathan Morrow develops a
distinctively evangelical theology, while Richard Averbeck writes about
worship. Then Gordon Johnston and Darrell Bock delve into the text
of Scripture, grounding the pursuit of spiritual formation in revealed truth.

Part 2 focuses on functional
aspects of spiritual formation. Klaus Issler emphasizes the importance of
the heart in spiritual formation, while Reid Kisling illustrates the
vital connection between character development and spiritual formation. Bill
Miller explores love's role as the motivation for spiritual formation.
Andrew Seidel examines servant leadership, and George Hillman extends
the discussion to include the significance of calling. Gail Seidel
discusses personal narrative as a catalyst for spiritual formation, and in
closing, Harry Shields advocates the public preaching of the Word as a
tool for spiritual formation.