Input/Output
Theterm spiritual formation might be gaining momentum in recent years, but “people have been spiritually formed as long as God has been in the business of redeeming lost humanity,” clarifies David Talley, pastor of counseling and pastoral care at Grace EFC in La Mirada, Calif. // Still, the idea of spiritual formation (or transformation) can be elusive in our pragmatic, evangelical context. We can’t help but ask question after question: How do we measure authentic spiritual formation? How do we pursue it ourselves, and how do we, as church leaders, encourage it in others? How can it be both mysterious and intentional? If we “go too far,” would our churches and ministries simply spin in circles while we navel-gaze? In this issue of EFCA Today, listen in as we explore all of these questions and more. Perhaps the most important question of all is: Am I, are we, becoming more like Jesus? 
Paintings By Marisa Peterson
Is spiritual formation new or ancient?
Is it inward-or-outward facing?
Is it simply a new term for “discipleship” or something different altogether?
Inward / Outward
The term spiritual formation might be gaining momentum in recent years, but “people have been spiritually formed as long as God has been in the business of redeeming lost humanity,” clarifies David Talley, pastor of counseling and pastoral care at Grace EFC in La Mirada, Calif. // Still, the idea of spiritual formation (or transformation) can be elusive in our pragmatic, evangelical context. We can’t help but ask question after question: How do we measure authentic spiritual formation? How do we pursue it ourselves, and how do we, as church leaders, encourage it in others? How can it be both mysterious and intentional? If we “go too far,” would our churches and ministries simply spin in circles while we navel-gaze? In this issue of EFCA Today, listen in as we explore all of these questions and more. Perhaps the most important question of all is: Am I, are we, becoming more like Jesus?