Falling Short

[ITS]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

[Derek Schultz]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

In many contexts, the church is showing signs that it is failing in its discipleship training to both new and old Christians. Salvation, though clearly recognized for its importance to begin the relationship with Jesus, cannot be the solitary event of the Christian life - it is not the end, but the beginning of our walk with Christ. Christ Himself did not instruct His disciples to make Christians and then they were finished. He instructed them, to make more disciples by teaching them to observe all things He commanded. Teaching the new disciples how to pray, how to fast, how to show compassion, how to worship, etc.

Spiritual formation will occur within the body of the church as the church trains its members in the spiritual disciplines - many such as described by the examples portrayed by both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard in their books abouit spiritual disciplines.

As the disciple then grows in their disciplined (not in a militaristic manner, per se, but focused and dedicated ) walk with Christ , they will develop spiritually and become more like Him.

[ajwylie1]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?


I feel that the church has fallen short in the area of making a body of Christ stronger. We have hurt not only the workers of the church but also the pastors of the church. I say this because if we would spread the responsibility in the church we would allow the body to be part of building the kingdom of God. This would not only help them grow individually, but it would help the body of Christ grow corporately. As the body of Christ weakens it seems that Satan?s is getting stronger and the church is getting weaker.

[ron]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

In many contexts, the church is showing signs that it is failing in its discipleship training to both new and old Christians. Salvation, though clearly recognized for its importance to begin the relationship with Jesus, cannot be the solitary event of the Christian life - it is not the end, but the beginning of our walk with Christ. Christ Himself did not instruct His disciples to make Christians and then they were finished. He instructed them, to make more disciples by teaching them to observe all things He commanded. Teaching the new disciples how to pray, how to fast, how to show compassion, how to worship, etc.

Spiritual formation will occur within the body of the church as the church trains its members in the spiritual disciplines - many such as described by the examples portrayed by both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard in their books abouit spiritual disciplines.

As the disciple then grows in their disciplined (not in a militaristic manner, per se, but focused and dedicated ) walk with Christ , they will develop spiritually and become more like Him.

I would like to add that the church has also fallen short in recognizing that the disciplines need to be taught in the church. As Ephesians 4:11-16 intstructs we are to build each other up in the body until we all reach knowledge in Christ. The disciplines are important, and as a church we need to teach them to everyone. Those who are more mature, and have a better understanding of the disciplines need to instruct and lift up the younger or less devoted followers. We begin a walk with Christ, but there it is not entirely an individual effort, but rather a church body effort. The church has fallen short in recognizing the disciplines that Willard and Foster explain, but also the church has lost its teaching authority on this subject.[/quote]

[Kenneth]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?
Reply:
Nowadays, most of the pastors and leaders pay too much attention on the numerical growth of a church, for they regard growing in numbers is the ultimate goal of a congregation. Also, some reckon the financial situation is a true reflection of the spiritual health of a church. Many pastors dare not to confront their flocks, for they are scared of losing their members and run out of financial support in return.
According to my opinion, most of the North American churches have been eroded by secular media. Hence, we have lost our spiritual vitality and cannot influence the World extensively. In order to turn to turn against the tide- we need to return to our biblical roots and use the God-given principles to build our congregations.

[Kenneth]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

In many contexts, the church is showing signs that it is failing in its discipleship training to both new and old Christians. Salvation, though clearly recognized for its importance to begin the relationship with Jesus, cannot be the solitary event of the Christian life - it is not the end, but the beginning of our walk with Christ. Christ Himself did not instruct His disciples to make Christians and then they were finished. He instructed them, to make more disciples by teaching them to observe all things He commanded. Teaching the new disciples how to pray, how to fast, how to show compassion, how to worship, etc.

Spiritual formation will occur within the body of the church as the church trains its members in the spiritual disciplines - many such as described by the examples portrayed by both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard in their books abouit spiritual disciplines.

As the disciple then grows in their disciplined (not in a militaristic manner, per se, but focused and dedicated ) walk with Christ , they will develop spiritually and become more like Him.

Comment:
As a pastor, I share many similarities of thought with Derek Schultz.
According to my own observation, we have a lot of observers but lack of participants in our churches nowadays. Many believers see salvation as the graduation of a Christian, and so many regard it as a byproduct of cheap grace. As a believer in Christ, there is not much of blood, sweat and tears anymore. Most of us might tend to see the Church as a haven of peace and joy; but rather than a training college preparing the believers to join in the spiritual battle. The Lord?s ?Great Commission? centers around discipleship, but sadly, many see it as evangelism only.

[PT]

We, the church, have fallen short in being fertile soil for spiritual formation in many areas. I believe that the number one issue that helps explain most all those areas is the dynamic of "buying the lie" that it(spiritual formation) is an individual pursuit. That leads to the collective individual pursuits of several making up a core in a local church. The "body" dynamic is diluted, at best, non-existent at worst. Consumerism, ethical egoism,psychotherapy, and in some places, the feminist ideology all work there way into the "group" that isn't biblically functioning as a body. What we, the body, should do about it is to, as individuals, start "one-anothering" other people so we would see that body life is so much better (though harder) that walking our faith journeys alone. I believe that if we did this, many would are coming would leave, and more who are not coming would want in. Because there is no room for the artifical when the genuine is present.

[brenda]

I should say first that the Church is comprised of you and me, and it's important that we follow the example that Jesus gives us in his life. The Word supplies us with a divine "instruction book" that helps us and stengthens us through the journey of life.

We, the Church, have fallen short in teaching children (and adults) that Christ and the body of the Church come before all else in this world. The Church, as a unified body of Christ, has neglected to stand up and oppose culture or it has been silent and stood by to let culture dominate the minds of the congregation.

The Church should be teaching a counter-culture view of life. We need to stand up in confidence for the truth of what Jesus says in his teachings. There are several examples that can be talked about where the Bible and culture would vary. To name one would be on the topic of sexual purity. The Bible clearly states that sexual intercouse is made for the context of marriage only. Whereas, society and the media is overflowing with innuendoes about sex, everyone is talking about sex, and many people, young, old, married, un-married, are having sex. If we don't teach what is right in the Church then people will get their values from society.

I have a suggestion to start to heal the damage. It begins with me. Though, the goal in spiritual formation, is for the growth of the entire Church, not just the individual, I can follow God and lead by example. As I serve in Church out of love and trust in God, people will not only hear what I say but they will see what I do. If the congregation follows Jesus first, despite what culture might teach, then we can be on our way to influencing morality in this world. The Church can take back its authority on God's truth, but only if we follow Joshua's words, "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

[brenda]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?


I feel that the church has fallen short in the area of making a body of Christ stronger. We have hurt not only the workers of the church but also the pastors of the church. I say this because if we would spread the responsibility in the church we would allow the body to be part of building the kingdom of God. This would not only help them grow individually, but it would help the body of Christ grow corporately. As the body of Christ weakens it seems that Satan?s is getting stronger and the church is getting weaker.

Ajwylie1,
I think that the each church has to stress that we are all part of one body and therefore, we have the responsibility to participate in the growth and well-being of the Church. For example, when we don't have volunteers to help for kids' Sunday school, we're hurting them. We need to break free from the selfishness that we constantly struggle with as humans so that the Church can function properly.

As for Satan growing stronger, Jesus was only one man, and his disciples were but a few, and they spread Christianity to the world. A few righteous people who are used by God can do great things which will crush Satan by the one who achieved victory in life and death, Jesus.

[Michael]

The question is about the fertile soil for spiritual formation; where has the church fallen short, and what should we do about it? It would appear that the church at large believes that one's spiritual life is about himself or herself when in fact this is not true. It also seems as though the average person who attends church, claims to be a Christian, and even serves in ministry believes that his or her own journey with Jesus is personal, when in fact this is not true either (it is indivual to us but personal, only for us). I'm not sure that this thinking is directly due to 'poor soil' within the church. The indivdualistic and personal thinking maybe faulty, but is this specifically due to problem with the church of today or can this be more of a commentary on the culture in which we live?

I believe that the people belonging to the Christian community need to help each other get their eyes off from themeselves in order to take a better look at the greater whole - the corporate body - their whole family, the church! We really are a family. We truly are brothers and sisters. We must begin to live that way, looking out for each other with all love and unity. These are the elements that must be in the ground to make the soil, 'fertile soil'.

It is within this context that people will know that they are beloved by God. It is in this context of love and unity that Jesus followers will be healthy enough to make a positive affect on a community instead of infecting a community with demands to be loved and served. It is in this context that individuals will chose to discipline their own lives, which is creating space for God to do something that you had not counted on or expected.

Christianity is caught, not taught. The Church at large must act like a family, because we are a family and we have been called by God to act like it. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love God and to love mankind - let's do it!

[CKaiser501]

The church has fallen short as fertile soil by not providing the interpersonal and relational matrix necessary for spiritual formation. The individualism of our day has moved us away from the one another ministry that builds up the body. Somehow, the church has bought into the individualism and isolation of our society, and if we attend church on Sunday and read our Bible regularly, we have somehow gained an element of spirituality. I personally feel that it is a sense of having ?fire insurance? instead of becoming a true disciple. The correction for this loss is once again to get back to the mandate ?teaching them to obey? and this is best accomplished through discipleship in a small group setting where life becomes the laboratory for learning and application of what is means to be a disciple of Jesus. One aspect that is not evident in the church culture is the Eph 4:11-16 passage, and the realization that spiritual growth must have as the end product, the building up of the Body.

[CKaiser501]

The question is about the fertile soil for spiritual formation; where has the church fallen short, and what should we do about it? It would appear that the church at large believes that one's spiritual life is about himself or herself when in fact this is not true. It also seems as though the average person who attends church, claims to be a Christian, and even serves in ministry believes that his or her own journey with Jesus is personal, when in fact this is not true either (it is indivual to us but personal, only for us). I'm not sure that this thinking is directly due to 'poor soil' within the church. The indivdualistic and personal thinking maybe faulty, but is this specifically due to problem with the church of today or can this be more of a commentary on the culture in which we live?

I believe that the people belonging to the Christian community need to help each other get their eyes off from themeselves in order to take a better look at the greater whole - the corporate body - their whole family, the church! We really are a family. We truly are brothers and sisters. We must begin to live that way, looking out for each other with all love and unity. These are the elements that must be in the ground to make the soil, 'fertile soil'.

It is within this context that people will know that they are beloved by God. It is in this context of love and unity that Jesus followers will be healthy enough to make a positive affect on a community instead of infecting a community with demands to be loved and served. It is in this context that individuals will chose to discipline their own lives, which is creating space for God to do something that you had not counted on or expected.

Christianity is caught, not taught. The Church at large must act like a family, because we are a family and we have been called by God to act like it. Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love God and to love mankind - let's do it!

I agree with Michael, that Christianity is to be caught as well as taught. It is all about relationships, both with God and with others. Genuine caring and love are the drawing card in an individualistic culture where every person is isolated and alone. People desire true caring for them as a person. When that happens, people can experience the love of Jesus through us. As leaders we need to model it, as followers we need to show it, and as disciples we need to share it.

[Alex]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

What went wrong, as I see it, is that the church is losing its "savor." I think the world's cultures and ideas are seemingly influencing the church's spiritual views. In effect, one could pretty much experience or find various kinds of spirituality anywhere, apart from biblical perspectives. The church seems to be losing its distinction from anything that a person considers spiritual. Thus, I feel that the church should go back and focus more on its mandate of making disciples, teaching and reinforcing its basic Christian beliefs, and also constanly redefines its salvific purpose to keep up with the changing global context. In addition, I believe Christians should seek more to influence families, churches, and communities to become interpersonal decisive contexts for individual and corporate spiritual formation, and be the top priority.

[Alex]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?


I feel that the church has fallen short in the area of making a body of Christ stronger. We have hurt not only the workers of the church but also the pastors of the church. I say this because if we would spread the responsibility in the church we would allow the body to be part of building the kingdom of God. This would not only help them grow individually, but it would help the body of Christ grow corporately. As the body of Christ weakens it seems that Satan?s is getting stronger and the church is getting weaker.

Comment

I think ajwylie1 makes a valid statement to where the church has fallen short, by not making the body of Christ stronger and pastors or workers are being hurt. I would like to add that this seems to be the impact of individualism and egoism, punctuated by the psycho culture in the chrurch, and the church has failed to fully embody interdependence and mutual relationship depicted in the Book of Acts. As a result, there is less empowerment, ministry over people happens, and sometimes people get hurt. However, to comment on the notion that the body of Christ is "getting weaker," to me, this dysfunctional spirit in the church (even Satan himself) is not enough to surmount the power of God, which is given to the church (Matt. 16:18-19, Acts 1:8). The ministry of a church is certainly affected, but I feel the body of Christ will prevail against Satan to accomplish its mission in this world.

[Frank]

After reading all the replies at the website, I found a mix of many areas of concern in terms of the Church?s failure. I found much insight concerning the Church?s need to: reinforce the disciplines (Derek, Ron, Kenneth), make the Body of Christ stronger (ajwylie 1), return to biblical roots and God-given principles (Kenneth), focus on corporate growth (Brenda, Michael, Ckaiser501) as well as its failure by allowing the Church to become culturally watered down (PT, Brenda, Alex). These are all valid. The area I am most concerned with is the corporate aspect of the Church.

I believe the actual social structures of most churches are not conducive for a communal atmosphere. While small groups may be an avenue to build up relationships and thus the Body of Christ, I think there is still something missing. There must be a way to build a larger sense of community among the entire congregation. Young people within the church should see the older believers as aunts and uncles, people their own age as cousins and elders as their grandparents. Of course this is within a totally different paradigm than the ?blood relative? family construct. Yet instead of being a watered down version of the ?blood? family, the Christian family should be stronger and radically closer. Shouldn?t this be, as we are bonded in spirit to the creator of the universe? I am not sure how this can be done, but I believe it should be preached, and lived out, and pursued diligently by the strongest of the community of believers.

Some how we must find a way to become a family. Wouldn?t this be a great testimony to the dark world around us? A group of people who are so close that they look like a family?not only a family, but a true loving and sacrificing family that knows and loves each of its members intimately. Would this not also give each member a great sense of worth? As truly interdependent people could and would we not grow and become stronger as a church, fulfilling the will of God with greater power and impact?

[william johnson]

I believe the church has fallen short in many different ways in its attempt at spiritual formation in the current culture. It appears to me, that the church currently, does not even recognize the state it is in. What I mean by this is that the church has become so influenced by our individualistic culture, it doesn't even recognize the cancerous affect. Very few people within any local body even recognize the affects of individualism on their thinking and thus their actions.

Our nation has been built upon "my rights as an individual". We as a people, and the church as a reflection of the current social standard, do not even accept the notion that I may play a part of something much bigger than me and my personal rights. Thus, I believe that very few in the church even recognize this in their thinking. It is one of the greatest dangers we face.

[rxwaves]

I agree that much work needs to be done as far as making the church fertile soil for spiritual formation. I know there is plenty of fertilizer within the church; I'm just not sure it's being used properly. I believe that part of the answer to growing the body of Christ spiritually is to find those who have the biblical knowledge and the passion required to inspire people to learn and grow. We need leaders who are passionate about the different aspects of spiritual formation. We need to keep the fires burning.

[Peter]

One of the reasons the church is not fertile soil for spiritual formation is that many church members do not see the church as their primary social group. Therefore they do not place a high priority on gathering. Concurrently, there are some churches that do not gather often enough for members to engage in the corporate dimensions of spiritual formation. We as church leaders can help members see the priority of spiritual development from an eternal perspective, then provide ample opportunities for gathering to grow.

[Peter]

I believe the church has fallen short in many different ways in its attempt at spiritual formation in the current culture. It appears to me, that the church currently, does not even recognize the state it is in. What I mean by this is that the church has become so influenced by our individualistic culture, it doesn't even recognize the cancerous affect. Very few people within any local body even recognize the affects of individualism on their thinking and thus their actions.

Our nation has been built upon "my rights as an individual". We as a people, and the church as a reflection of the current social standard, do not even accept the notion that I may play a part of something much bigger than me and my personal rights. Thus, I believe that very few in the church even recognize this in their thinking. It is one of the greatest dangers we face.

I agree with this comment. Individuals in the church value independence more than they do interdependence. What can church leaders do about this? One idea is to educate individuals in the church regarding the conflict between these types of cultural values and biblical values. Suzanne Johnson does a good job in her book of demonstrating some of those conflicts. If true followers of Christ are helped to see these conflicts, they can and will consciously begin to alter their thinking and lifestyles appropriately.

[william johnson]

We, the church, have fallen short in being fertile soil for spiritual formation in many areas. I believe that the number one issue that helps explain most all those areas is the dynamic of "buying the lie" that it(spiritual formation) is an individual pursuit. That leads to the collective individual pursuits of several making up a core in a local church. The "body" dynamic is diluted, at best, non-existent at worst. Consumerism, ethical egoism,psychotherapy, and in some places, the feminist ideology all work there way into the "group" that isn't biblically functioning as a body. What we, the body, should do about it is to, as individuals, start "one-anothering" other people so we would see that body life is so much better (though harder) that walking our faith journeys alone. I believe that if we did this, many would are coming would leave, and more who are not coming would want in. Because there is no room for the artifical when the genuine is present.

I totally agree with the "buying the lie" concept. We, as spiritual leaders, must accept the reality that it is a cultural lie. I see so many people in the church talk about issues that area all about them. "I don't like the message" or "I don't like how he preaches" or "I think he is not doing it the right way" are the comments that have become commonplace. The people who speak these comments don't even realize that their comments come from a culture lie, that lie being "it is all about me"!

[tdecker]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

The church seems to have fallen short in properly teaching both the corporate and individual aspects of spiritual disciplines. In some churches, the corporate aspects have been completely missed. When the individual aspects are taught, it is often done in a ?thou shalt?? manner, without explaining the true purpose of the disciplines.
Teaching the individual spiritual disciplines, as presented by Willard, would be a step in the right direction. However, this should be supplemented to teach that the individual aspects are for the purpose of building up the body and that we would be better prepared to do our part.

[tiffanypencak]

I believe the church has fallen short within the thirsty, barren culture has been through an ever so subtle creep into the culture standards themselves. We tend to be just a few steps behind the ethics and standards both transparant and blatantly shouted from all sides. The focus of of "us" within the BODY of Christ in the universal church has become a singular stragedy aimed and "self" for spiritual growth, encouragement, and even ministry. This oh so conveniently echoes the culture's cry to "honor self" and "look out for #1". How can a corporate body of believers stand strong, encouraged and most of all UNITED in their passions, gifts, and abilities to reach the lost when the focus (many times subconsciously) is focused inward. Dr. John Lillis so uniquely describes this in great detail and with overwhelming proof of such scriptures as Ephesians 4:11-16. These verses deal with the areas of corporately living a life in step with God's will, growth, unity, and lastly, stability within the church body. This is a small, but foundational step towards the comback of a church fallen short against the cries of a needy world.

[tiffanypencak]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

In many contexts, the church is showing signs that it is failing in its discipleship training to both new and old Christians. Salvation, though clearly recognized for its importance to begin the relationship with Jesus, cannot be the solitary event of the Christian life - it is not the end, but the beginning of our walk with Christ. Christ Himself did not instruct His disciples to make Christians and then they were finished. He instructed them, to make more disciples by teaching them to observe all things He commanded. Teaching the new disciples how to pray, how to fast, how to show compassion, how to worship, etc.

Spiritual formation will occur within the body of the church as the church trains its members in the spiritual disciplines - many such as described by the examples portrayed by both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard in their books abouit spiritual disciplines.

As the disciple then grows in their disciplined (not in a militaristic manner, per se, but focused and dedicated ) walk with Christ , they will develop spiritually and become more like Him.

I would like to add that the church has also fallen short in recognizing that the disciplines need to be taught in the church. As Ephesians 4:11-16 intstructs we are to build each other up in the body until we all reach knowledge in Christ. The disciplines are important, and as a church we need to teach them to everyone. Those who are more mature, and have a better understanding of the disciplines need to instruct and lift up the younger or less devoted followers. We begin a walk with Christ, but there it is not entirely an individual effort, but rather a church body effort. The church has fallen short in recognizing the disciplines that Willard and Foster explain, but also the church has lost its teaching authority on this subject.[/quote]

This is so true in many churches these days. Often, the largest "pressure" and climax is instilled for the moment of repentence/salvation. Yet, I am quite curious the percentage of "new believers" whose roots are never nourished and instilled into the soil. Where is the follow-up, discipleship, mentoring, encouragement? Even ministrial burnout can overcome a seasoned believer, stripping them of strength and endurance to fight the fight. Isn't one of the main functions of the invisible church to stand beside one anothe and utilize the spiritual gifts of the Father?

What are the next steps after observation (in your above essay)? What are some possible steps of application to bring about a beautiful reform within the sanctification process of all believers?

[awells]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?
I think that the church has fallen short in its telling of the gospel story. We have embraced a gospel that is not true to the New Testament. Instead we tell people the need for salvation is so they don't go to hell. This is the begining of the problem for spiritual formaiton, if people are misinformed at salvation about the gospel how can we ever expect them to grasp and embrace spiritual formation as talked about in the lectures and the New Testament.
I thinkthat we need to get back to telling of the gospel story for the whole person. The gospel is the good news that Christ is offering salvation to Humans and in responce he wants us to extended the offer of salvation to others and to bring redemption to the things that are created good and being used for evil.

[nathanthiry]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

I think that many churches continue to be a fertile soil for spiritual formation to the extent that they are faithfully teaching God's Word and truly loving each other the way that I Corinthians 13 describes. When churches stop teaching God's Word and start trying to simply entertain or attract people, the ability to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and true worship of God in spirit and truth is diminished. Also, churches fall short because people stay shallow and are afraid to open up with each other. People's lives can be so busy and there is little time for close relationships with other people in the body. Hence, we should be sure that we are faithfully teaching the Bible and living it, especially in seeking to truly love one another.

[nathanthiry]

Derek, I agree with your assessment that we have fallen short in truly making disciples, not just converts. I think that this even starts with how we present the gospel. It is not just calling people to get their sins forgiven, but rather to trust in Christ and repent of their rebellion against Him, which begins a life of following Him. I know that I have often failed to emphasize the life that Christ calls us to in sharing the gospel with someone. Many people are willing to pray a prayer, but are not willing to deny themselves and follow Christ, indicating that maybe their faith is without works and is not true faith. But then, after someone professes faith in Christ, as you said, we must teach them to do all that Christ commanded!

[awells]

I believe the church has fallen short within the thirsty, barren culture has been through an ever so subtle creep into the culture standards themselves. We tend to be just a few steps behind the ethics and standards both transparant and blatantly shouted from all sides. The focus of of "us" within the BODY of Christ in the universal church has become a singular stragedy aimed and "self" for spiritual growth, encouragement, and even ministry. This oh so conveniently echoes the culture's cry to "honor self" and "look out for #1". How can a corporate body of believers stand strong, encouraged and most of all UNITED in their passions, gifts, and abilities to reach the lost when the focus (many times subconsciously) is focused inward. Dr. John Lillis so uniquely describes this in great detail and with overwhelming proof of such scriptures as Ephesians 4:11-16. These verses deal with the areas of corporately living a life in step with God's will, growth, unity, and lastly, stability within the church body. This is a small, but foundational step towards the comback of a church fallen short against the cries of a needy world.
I would agree with this statement. I think that Dr. Lillis offered a very balanced appraoch to both the individual and corporate sides of spirituality. It is important that we try and balance the tension that Dr. Lillis taught in his lectures. The balance between individual and corporate dimensions of spirituality. It is interesting that in a time of spiriual need the church has been focused inward and not been ready to recieve and offer hope to the dying culture around us.

[Sean_Z]

I believe the Church has fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation when we adopted a strategy similar to the one the military used in the Vietnam War – the body count. We hold evangelistic crusades, neighborhood canvassing, special events, etc. and then report how many people were ‘saved.’ I wonder how many Americans have had the ‘born-again’ experience who have never gone to church.
Then there is the issue of spiritual formation. Does the ‘body count’ mentality still hold here? Of course! We get into ‘ABC’ Christianity – Attendance, Buildings, and Cash. When we do that, preaching on the five ways to increase your bank account, six ways to raise your kids, and seven ways to have a better marriage, we miss the point. Are we preaching the Gospel? Are we preaching the teachings of Jesus and calling people to follow after Him? To forsake materialism and their idols? Are we forming groups for prayer, where you don’t spend 45 minutes on the requests and five minutes praying? Are we engaging in Bible studies that go beyond the phenomenological of ‘well, this is how I see it’ to ‘this is what God meant’?
Now that I have raised the problem, time for the solution. First, we must get beyond ABC Christianity. Secondly, we have to preach and teach the disciplines and make formation the focus of the Church. When someone starts talking about sports, you start asking them what’s going on in their prayer. Some people will leave, oh well. But many will start to get serious, and that’s what it’s going to take. But the leadership is going to have to be willing to pay the price.

[Drew]

Perched comfortably in my barcalounger, I survey the church with the seminarian’s watchful eye. From here the landscape’s clear, but it ain’t pretty.

Tsk! Tsk! What’s this?

First Libby Church catches my gaze. There, a few bleeding-hearts seek redemption in self-aggrandizement thinly disguised as social justice.

Down the country road a bit, the Fundies cheer the weekly bible-throwing contest.

The Orthodox simply frown, while some Pentecostal executes the Holy Ghost shuffle.

Just as I grow accustomed to the pandemonium, my eyes focus on a familiar sight. Java Joe Jamboree! What would a spiritual landscape be without Starbucks? I used to thank my Catholic friends for the wine, but move over Mary! Joe Evangelical’s got the black, black brew. If only the preaching could be half as rich! Did I mention the lyrics?

And so I begin my catalog: Problem #1… I write till I can’t write, then I write some more.

But I have to ask myself, “Who’s that long-haired, Jesus-sandal, wearing hippie dude? And why’s he wearing a t-shirt that says Unit?” Focus Drew, focus. Aha! Never mind, it says “Unite”.

Guess it’s back to my fallen-shortedness list…

[Drew]

I believe the Church has fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation when we adopted a strategy similar to the one the military used in the Vietnam War – the body count. We hold evangelistic crusades, neighborhood canvassing, special events, etc. and then report how many people were ‘saved.’ I wonder how many Americans have had the ‘born-again’ experience who have never gone to church.
Then there is the issue of spiritual formation. Does the ‘body count’ mentality still hold here? Of course! We get into ‘ABC’ Christianity – Attendance, Buildings, and Cash. When we do that, preaching on the five ways to increase your bank account, six ways to raise your kids, and seven ways to have a better marriage, we miss the point. Are we preaching the Gospel? Are we preaching the teachings of Jesus and calling people to follow after Him? To forsake materialism and their idols? Are we forming groups for prayer, where you don’t spend 45 minutes on the requests and five minutes praying? Are we engaging in Bible studies that go beyond the phenomenological of ‘well, this is how I see it’ to ‘this is what God meant’?
Now that I have raised the problem, time for the solution. First, we must get beyond ABC Christianity. Secondly, we have to preach and teach the disciplines and make formation the focus of the Church. When someone starts talking about sports, you start asking them what’s going on in their prayer. Some people will leave, oh well. But many will start to get serious, and that’s what it’s going to take. But the leadership is going to have to be willing to pay the price.


'ABC' Christianity! Sounds like it's all about performance, competition, size, numbers, money, etc. I suspect you may be right. Indeed, I've talked to a number of people who've walked away from faith (or, at the very least, the church as institution) and this seemingly materialistic emphasis seems to underlie at least a portion of their concern(s). So where does this impression come from? And, if accurate, from where do we derive such values and what do we do to change?

What follows is only a germ of a reply.

First: I wonder about the overall accuracy of the impression. The deeper I dig into Christian communities, the more mess I find but also the more I find to celebrate. I just recently spent time w/an elderly couple whose lives are beyond falling apart—come to find out, members of a glitzy, apparently numbers, size, etc., oriented church, have poured there lives (service, money, prayers, etc.) into this couple…

Second: Despite any good we currently do, we must remain critically aware of cultural influences. Perhaps the business/market paradigm has run its course and the concerns expressed here will fad, to be replaced by new (and perhaps more subtle) challenges. I suspect, however, the proposed change the topic approach might need a bit of revamping!

Finally: What must we do to change? Recognizing our flaws the response seems painfully obvious. Repent!

[awichterman]

Question 2

Spirituality is in fact something that is God given. This is something that I have thought even before this class. However, there is a side to spirituality that most, I believe, do not consider when defining the issue. Spirituality is indeed both personal and corporate, but it is also contagious. In that I mean when I see someone who is truly spiritual, it makes me want to follow suit. I respect that person and want to emulate the strong points of their character. This is, I believe, a detector for true spirituality.

[Daniel B]

Derek is right. Discipleship is what matters, and it’s what Jesus commanded. Discipleship brings people into a relationship with Jesus and begins to form them more into him image; it is becoming like Jesus.
Discipleship must be based on a plan. Jesus taught his disciples and tested them numerous times in order to train them. Our plan does not have to be the same for all people, but it must be an intentional path toward being like Jesus. This can include practicing the disciplines, attending Bible classes, participating in church, and numerous activities. These disciplines are tools that can lead people to better follow Jesus.
One caution: the goal is to become like Jesus, not just to do the activities.

[Daniel B]

The church has placed emphasis on the individual at the wrong times. Instead of focusing on individuals working for the common good, the church has focused on individuals as the end goal. As a result, churches tend to feel like their mission is to meet individual’s needs rather than to bring the individuals into communal maturity. To fix this problem, the church must teach its members to work (Willard) so that the church can have its needs met (Johnson and Lillis). The individuals work for the church to grow, not the church for the individuals. In the end, as the church grows, so do the individuals.

[smsurine]

Question 2

Spirituality is in fact something that is God given. This is something that I have thought even before this class. However, there is a side to spirituality that most, I believe, do not consider when defining the issue. Spirituality is indeed both personal and corporate, but it is also contagious. In that I mean when I see someone who is truly spiritual, it makes me want to follow suit. I respect that person and want to emulate the strong points of their character. This is, I believe, a detector for true spirituality.

But how do you define whether or not a person is truly spiritual? I think this is key. I have run into a lot of people who seem spiritual because they emphasize the emotive side of their faith much more than the cognitive side. They are people I initially want to be like because they are incredibly passionate about their faith and are very expressive about their love for God. On the other hand I've known people who are quite frankly boring at first glance because they don't display this type of passion, but at the same time they express their spirituality in more cognitive ways.

The former is more exciting, but might be lacking in that they substitute knowledge for feelings. By that same token, it is possible to appear spiritual but not even be a Christian and thus lack true spirituality. The latter group is less exciting, but might be further along spiritually. At the same time, they might be in danger of being puffed up by knowledge.

I think you are on to something with the idea of spirituality being contagious, after all, we are commanded to make disciples of Jesus Christ. At the same time, we have to take care to define in what way they will be contagious. Is it because they are motivated by love to spread their faith, or is it simply because they have an emotive and exciting personality?

[smsurine]

The word "spiritual" is obviously loaded with meaning.

It has been used to describe anyone ranging from ascetic monks who abused their bodies to be more spiritual, to followers of Buddhism whose idea of spirituality involves quiet meditation and harmony with nature, to charismatic Christians whose spirituality involves exciting expressions of worship.

So while the term is loaded, it certainly is not easy to define.

To me, spirituality is about truly connection with God in a way that brings us closer to Him in our mindset, beliefs, and actions. Thus the first requirement of spirituality is to be a Christian. Jesus is the true way to the Father, so no other attempt at being spiritual is a true connection to God. However, trusting in Christ is not the end of spirituality, it is only the start. Believing the right things about God is also important. This means reading and understanding the scriptures.

Again, this is not the end either. If someone reads and believes the Bible and does not practice what it says, how could that person be spiritual? Ultimately a person's actions must coincide with God's will as well. This means primarily loving God and loving each other.

[shanevv]

Question #2 What does it mean to be spiritual?

Humanists promote the concept that spirituality is an inate spark withing every human being. It is something that merely needs to be wakened and developed in order for that person to achieve greater self-actualization.

Mystics promote the concept that the ultimate reality is found by going within the self. It is something that values experience as a means to achieving faith.

The Christian believes something quite different. Spirituality is growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is a deepening relationship with the transcendent creator who is also imminent in our lives. It is a lifestyle commitment to live and love according to God's righteous commandments. Faith is based upon the special revelation of God's written word which is then worked outwards in experience.

[shanevv]

The word "spiritual" is obviously loaded with meaning.

It has been used to describe anyone ranging from ascetic monks who abused their bodies to be more spiritual, to followers of Buddhism whose idea of spirituality involves quiet meditation and harmony with nature, to charismatic Christians whose spirituality involves exciting expressions of worship.

So while the term is loaded, it certainly is not easy to define.

To me, spirituality is about truly connection with God in a way that brings us closer to Him in our mindset, beliefs, and actions. Thus the first requirement of spirituality is to be a Christian. Jesus is the true way to the Father, so no other attempt at being spiritual is a true connection to God. However, trusting in Christ is not the end of spirituality, it is only the start. Believing the right things about God is also important. This means reading and understanding the scriptures.

Again, this is not the end either. If someone reads and believes the Bible and does not practice what it says, how could that person be spiritual? Ultimately a person's actions must coincide with God's will as well. This means primarily loving God and loving each other.

Dr. Lillis went to some lengths to provide an indepth explanation into all the various meanings of spirituality. I agree with him that it has become extremely watered down and diffused in meaning. I like his suggestion that Christian need to come up with new words and new ways to explain what spirituality really is, to both non-Christians and Christians alike. I also appreciate the way you ground spirituality on the foundation of justification in Christ and that it is about a relationship with God born out of that conversion.

Do you think the mystic's believe that the harsh treatment of the body is itself a form of spirituality or that it is a discipline that leads them to spirituality?

[themuzicman]

After listening to Dr. Lillis, I think he, like theologians before him, is engaging in what I call "task theology", whereby he is answering what he perceives to be a crisis in belief by emphasizing those aspects of theology which he thinks have been neglected or lost.

In that sense, I do not think that Dr. Lillis has overstated his case for corporate spiritual formation, but if we were to take what he has said apart from the culture in which we live and treat it as pure theology, then I think his view would understate the importance of its personal aspect.

That's not to say that we should accept the secular definition of spirituality, but rather that the individual aspect of spiritual formation found in scripture would be presented in more balanced proportions relative to the corporate aspect.

Michael

[themuzicman]

The church has placed emphasis on the individual at the wrong times. Instead of focusing on individuals working for the common good, the church has focused on individuals as the end goal. As a result, churches tend to feel like their mission is to meet individual’s needs rather than to bring the individuals into communal maturity. To fix this problem, the church must teach its members to work (Willard) so that the church can have its needs met (Johnson and Lillis). The individuals work for the church to grow, not the church for the individuals. In the end, as the church grows, so do the individuals.

I see what you mean, but I think this has to work both ways.

I do think that the church should be working towards the individual's spiritual formation, rather than "meeting their needs", but ultimately the spiritual formation of a group is comprised of the spiritual formation of the individuals in that group.

Now, some of that formation occurs in a corporate setting: Small groups, corporate worship, bible study, etc. However, some of that spiritual formation comes in the individual's effort to seek God in his own time, apart from the group, as well. The church should encourage spiritual formation in both settings in a balanced way.

Michael

[themuzicman]

Defining what it means to be spiritual may have been the hardest element of this course to this point, since it is something defined by many sources, and yet none seem to fulfill the sense one gets when speaking of it.

Dr. Lillis speaks of spiritual as being something that is wholly other than what we are, and that sounded OK for a time, but I don't think I'm willing to go that far.

There are a lot of "spiritual" things in scripture: The law is spiritual (Rom 7:14), there are spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12), spiritual wisdom (1 Cor 2), etc. We are also to be spiritual (Rom 8), but we also know that God is spirit (John 4:24).

And I think that last reference is where I draw my meaning. Spiritual ultimately mean "pertaining to the things of God."

Thus, "to be spiritual" would refer to that part of who we are and the things we do that pertain to the things of God.

Now, the reason I disagree in part with Dr. Lillis is that we are created in the image of God, and in spite of being fallen and tainted, that image is there, even if it is shattered by sin.

That's not to say that spiritual formation is merely our putting the image together again on our own. I don't think that's possible.

But I do think that spiritual formation begins with God's drawing and calling us to, as Romans 12:2 puts it, "be transformed by the renewing of our minds," and the interaction of God with His church and God with each person and each person with the church to bring about that transformation through the various spiritual elements found in Scripture.

And we become increasingly spiritual as this process continues.

Michael

[themuzicman]

Question 2

Spirituality is in fact something that is God given. This is something that I have thought even before this class. However, there is a side to spirituality that most, I believe, do not consider when defining the issue. Spirituality is indeed both personal and corporate, but it is also contagious. In that I mean when I see someone who is truly spiritual, it makes me want to follow suit. I respect that person and want to emulate the strong points of their character. This is, I believe, a detector for true spirituality.

I don't think your view goes far enough. It seems to reflect the idea that being spiritual is a strictly ethical idea. There's more to being spiritual than character and right actions.

Even non-Christians can have character and act ethically.

I think there's a relational and transformational aspect to spirituality that you're missing, something more than just acting right, but further into seeing the world through God's eyes, valuing what God values, and taking on the mind of Christ.

I do think you've happened upon one of the clear evidences of being spiritual, that being actions that reflect a God-transformed worldview, but I think that's an effect, rather than being the heart of what it means to be spiritual.

Michael

[ChLanders]

RE: Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?


Susanne Johnson comments that “spiritual formation is not intelligible apart from the communal context and faith tradition in which people are formed”(19). Her comments bring with it a lot of biblical and practical wisdom. The church must regain its sense of community and relationship in order for the process of spiritual formation to succeed. People will only progress in maturity by the help and guidance of the communal body of Christ.

It is also important to mention that a Christian is able to develop in disciplines outside the body of Christ. However, it normally becomes a distorted and perverted view of the theology of the New Testament. For example, Dallas Willard in his overemphasis on the individual pursuit and his belief that discipline can develops through “solitude” leads him to the conclusion that individuals are the solution to the world's problems. This idea can lead to arrogance and I believe a comment that he makes confirms this idea. In his summary he states that “things will go right in human life and society only to the extent that a sufficient number of qualified people…see to it that they go right” (241).

Willard does present a good practical model of discipline, yet without an emphasis on relationship and the body of Christ, it is simply not a biblical model, maybe a psychological model with ‘Paul as our psychologist’ but not a biblical model (95).

Consequently, it is only by the church reverting back to its biblical roots that present the church as ‘the family of God’ will we ever succeed in spiritual formation. In examining the church, when people come to know the Lord, we give them a pamphlet or a book and expect them to do things on their own. The majority of Christians do not want to be inconvenienced by having to take on the responsibility of helping new Christians to grow and mature. Thus, we don’t emphasize mentoring, discipleship or being accountable for one another. When someone falls, we shake our head and point the finger, instead of examining ourselves to see how we failed them as a church. Our role as Christian in spiritual formation is to lift each other up, bear one another’s burdens, help others in areas of weakness. If we are not doing that as a church, personal failure is not solely the individual’s fault, it is the Christian community as a whole failing to acknowledge the ‘family’ model as presented by Paul.

[ChLanders]

In response to:Sean_Z I believe the Church has fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation when we adopted a strategy similar to the one the military used in the Vietnam War...

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I like the way you explained the ABC’s - Attendance, Buildings, and Cash. It seems that this becomes the focus of so many churches. And when we make the gospel into a business or a ‘body count’ as you call it, it takes away from spiritual formation and the mark of the Christian which is “love” as displayed in John 13:35."

And I agree that we need to spend more time in spiritual formation disciplines. Yet, in the process let’s not sacrifice fellowship and authenticity. Or you will end up getting generic people with fixed responses. Like, what’s your favorite book…huh, the Bible?” People will close up and you will lose the geniune experience for artificial fronts. The disciplines are not natural, they are spiritual and require Holy Spirit development with patience and encouragement. A person must gage where people and the church is at in their walk and then be intentional in developing spiritual formation. If they say they don’t like to pray, find out whay and help them, it is process, not …well you can leave.

[stephen]

There are many ways in which the church has fallen short in providing spiritual formation. First, it seems that complacency towards God has crept into the church itself. One reason is the lack of commitment, which Suzanne Johnson alludes to, for which she blames the therapeutic community. Others have identified it as the 80/20 rule. I agree with Johnson that membership into the body has become too easy. When's the last time you heard of an application for membership being rejected?

There are other areas which need to be mentioned. We have focused our efforts primarily in the area of evangelism, while discipleship, which is more labor intensive, is rarely emphasized or funded. Many evangelism efforts and outreaches are well organized, but the followup is not. I know some have tried to remedy this, but without true success. In addition to this, there's the conflict in understanding grace, which is offered to us for free, without the understanding that it costs us our lives. Many want the gift for its benefits, without any strings attached. Whether Calvinist or Armenian, the truth remains that many respond to evangelism efforts, but only a few are brought into the body and discipled.

Churches often fail to engage and incorporate new believers into the body. Often no effort is made to meet them where they are. For many, if the converts show up on Sunday morning, the church has been effective. So, do we need to change our focus from evangelizing many to discipling a few? I'm not sure the Great Commission would support that either, but we should at least increase our discipleship efforts to match those of our outreaches. You will still have those who let the seed die, but I believe the harvest would be greater if evangelism was coupled with discipleship.

Finally, many churches have failed to remain relevant to the culture. I'm not suggesting we abandon all traditions, but rarely will you find a 20 year old trying to be 90! Likewise, neither will you find a church which uses methods of yesteryear truly reaching todays culture.

To summarize, the church should move towards making discipleship a vital and purposeful activity essential for church membership. It should at least match the efforts being made in evangelism and outreach. In addition, they should strive to remain relevant to the emerging culture yet not forsake providing meaningful opportunities for worship for those who identity with generations past.

[stephen]

I feel that the church has fallen short in the area of making a body of Christ stronger. We have hurt not only the workers of the church but also the pastors of the church. I say this because if we would spread the responsibility in the church we would allow the body to be part of building the kingdom of God. This would not only help them grow individually, but it would help the body of Christ grow corporately. As the body of Christ weakens it seems that Satan?s is getting stronger and the church is getting weaker.

You are correct in stating that individuals and the body would grow if they participated in building the kingdom of God. However, spreading the responsibility around is not an easy task. I know of few ministers who really want to do everything themselves. But, the 80/20 rule seems to prevail even in the church. Perhaps by engaging the body in discipleship, they would better understand their role in ministry and get involved. Just think what the body could accomplish when working together for His glory!

[Hardy]

Where has the church fallen short as fertile soil for spiritual formation, and what should we do about it?

While many local churches do an excellent job of discipling people, the church as a whole has missed the mark in regards to spiritual formation primarily in two ways. First, the church has focused more on the forgiveness of sins than it has on discipleship. God did not call the church to make converts but to make disciples. Churches fail new converts when they leave them to figure out how to live a holy lifestyle on their own. Second, the church has fallen short in helping people have a proper understanding of the body of Christ. Influenced by the secular society in which we live, Christians have an individualistic mindset of spiritual development. This mindset has developed because the church has not taught the importance of interconnected relationships among believers.

To overcome this, we must first pray for the church to align itself with Scripture. Second, those who have a proper, biblical understanding of spiritual formation must declare it. They must teach it from their pulpits and through discipleship classes. They must ingrain it in the minds of those with whom they come in contact. Only then will the church serve as fertile soil for spiritual formation.

[Hardy]

I feel that the church has fallen short in the area of making a body of Christ stronger. We have hurt not only the workers of the church but also the pastors of the church. I say this because if we would spread the responsibility in the church we would allow the body to be part of building the kingdom of God. This would not only help them grow individually, but it would help the body of Christ grow corporately. As the body of Christ weakens it seems that Satan?s is getting stronger and the church is getting weaker.

I agree with the idea that many pastors are found doing the majority of the work in the church. While this is not a universal truth, it does hold much validity. The pastors and leaders of the church should not complete all of the work of the church. Rather, they are “to equip the saints for the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12a). The church has fallen short in that an unbalance exists in the Body. Many people are not functioning in the role God has intended for them, and this greatly impacts the effectiveness of the Body.

[David E. Garcia]

We have fallen short in not walking people through how to grow. We tell people, "You need discipline in the Spirit, you need to connect with God; you cannot remain in this sub-par spirituality!" They heartily amen, go home, come back next Sunday--many unchanged--and repeat the whole process week after week, year after year.
We need personal trainers who can train people in the world of the Spirit.
We need small support groups where committed believers spur each other on towards good words. We easily use Hebrews 10:24-25 to convince people of the need to be in Sunday morning worship service. BUT this passage speaks of having a personal connection with your church family and using that influence to engage believers with their Christian vocation.
I unfortunately have to agree with Willard:
“. . . the infrequencey of people like Paul among our fellow church members should alert us that this hope (walking in the power of Christ characterized by Christ) is in vain. Much more is required—and it is supplied by the appropriate program of spiritual disciplines such as Paul himself practiced.” (p.125)
Where are the Paul's in our churches? Where is the spirit of Paul in me? God help us reverse this as you assing us our ecclesial posts.

[David E. Garcia]

AJ, I could not agree more with what you are saying. Ephesians 4:11-16 says that the ministerial gifts God has given to the church are for to train up the believers "for the work of ministry." If you go to a church today and ask each member "what is your ministry?" they may look at you puzzeld, scratch their head, and mutter back, "I am an oil-man," or "school-teacher" or whatever and then continue, "the pastor is the one with the ministry; that's why we pay him." Our question would seem strange. However, what is strange, according to the Bible, is this attitude, that the "ministry" is for the super-elite whom we pay to soothe us with a gospel massage on Sunday morning. I pray God would change our worldview, so that clerics would see their role as equippers and coaches who are mobilizing God's team for EXPLOSIVE MINISTRY in Jesus' name!!

[David E. Garcia]

AJ, I could not agree more with what you are saying. Ephesians 4:11-16 says that the ministerial gifts God has given to the church are for to train up the believers "for the work of ministry." If you go to a church today and ask each member "what is your ministry?" they may look at you puzzeld, scratch their head, and mutter back, "I am an oil-man," or "school-teacher" or whatever and then continue, "the pastor is the one with the ministry; that's why we pay him." Our question would seem strange. However, what is strange, according to the Bible, is this attitude, that the "ministry" is for the super-elite whom we pay to soothe us with a gospel massage on Sunday morning. I pray God would change our worldview, so that clerics would see their role as equippers and coaches who are mobilizing God's team for EXPLOSIVE MINISTRY in Jesus' name!!