Ask Lee... About Spiritual Formation

By Lee Strobel

8.3.06

Thanks to everyone who submitted a question! CLICK HERE to pose a question for a future newsletter. Though we can’t answer them all, we’ll select the ones that seem to have the broadest appeal – or are the most intriguing!

Q. You mentioned in an earlier newsletter that your son, Kyle, is pursuing his third master’s degree, this one in spiritual formation. Exactly what is “spiritual formation”?

A. I went to the source himself and asked him to define it. Here’s what Kyle said:

“Spiritual Formation is the area of theology that is informed by the Bible, theology, psychology and philosophy, and tries to form an integrative model for what growth looks like. This is done through a study of the Holy Spirit and his role in the lives of believers through questioning things like prayer, community, sin, etc., and asking what role these have in the development of a Christian into the likeness of Christ.”

In other words, it’s the process by which Christians become more like Jesus.

As for Kyle, he has been accepted at the University of Aberdeen to pursue his doctorate in theology. He and his wife, Kelli, will be moving to Scotland in the fall. We’ll miss them, but we’re proud of them and excited he’ll be studying under great scholars at a highly respected institution.

Also, here’s an inside scoop: Kyle and some colleagues are launching a new mega-website this fall on spiritual formation. Included will be free video clips of Dallas Willard and other well-known experts in the field. I’ll keep you posted and let you know when the site is available. I’ve seen advance versions and it’s dynamite!

Thanks to everyone who submitted a question! CLICK HERE to pose a question for a future newsletter. Though we can’t answer them all, we’ll select the ones that seem to have the broadest appeal – or are the most intriguing!