What is Spiritual Formation?

Below are several definitions for spiritual formation from various sources. 

  • "Spiritual formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others."
    • M. Robert Mulholland, Jr., Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation

  • "Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ by the gracious working of God's Holy Spirit for the transformation of the world."
    • Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Spiritual Formation Network*
       
  • "Spiritual formation is the activity of the Holy Spirit which molds our lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ.  This likeness is one of deep intimacy with God and genuine compassion for all of creation.  The Spirit works not only in the lives of individuals but also in the Church, shaping it into the Body of Christ.  We cooperate with this work of the Spirit through certain practices that make us more open and responsive to the Spirit's touch, disciplines such as Sabbath keeping, works of compassion and justice, discernment, worship, hospitality, spiritual friendships, and contemplative silence. "
    • Office of Spiritual Formation, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

*CBF Spiritual Formation definition is an adaptation and expansion of Robert Mulholland's definition as discerned by the Spiritual Formation Network Task Force in November 2004.  You can download an expanded version of this definition that includes phrase-by phrase commentary by clicking here.