Reframing Discipleship, Spiritual Formation, Christian Spiritual Formation
Alex Tang
There has been much confusion about the meaning and usage of these
words: discipleship, spiritual formation, and Christian spiritual
formation. These words are sometimes used interchangeably by some
teachers while others offered a more nuanced definition. Here I will
offer some definitions of these terms.
Spiritual formation is the process of forming our inner spiritual
beings (soul) which manifest outwardly as our character. This is an
ongoing process which starts when we are in our mothers’ womb and
continues until we die. There are numerous influences that affect our
spiritual formation which includes our cultural legacy, our childhood
experiences, our ethnicity, the socio-political environments in which
we live in, the dominant culture in our society, and our social
interactions with other people, including our family members. Often
these influences act subconsciously by a process of socialization or
enculturation. In other words, all of us are undergoing spiritual
formation all the time, whether we are conscious of it or not.
Christian conversion (accepting Christ) involves a change in status by
our justification by faith, and of the formative regeneration of our
souls (sanctification). Christian spiritual formation starts after
conversion. Christian spiritual formation is the process of the
redemptive inner transformation of the character of a person to
reflect the character of Christ himself. There are two components to
Christian spiritual formation: (1) the work of the Holy Spirit, and
(2) the willingness of a person to follow Christ in discipleship.
Christian spiritual formation is a collaborative divine-human
interaction. The influences that act on Christian spiritual formation
are similar to those experiences by all living human beings.
Additional influences are the formative practices of the Christian
faith communities (Christian education) and the Word of God.
Discipleship is the part of Christian spiritual formation where we can
be actively involved in. The Holy Spirit is ever willing to be
involved but respect our choices and will not force us to be
disciples. Discipleship is following and obeying the teachings of
Jesus Christ and in doing so, we become Christ-like in our character.
Jesus summarizes this by saying that, “If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke
9:23). To be his follower, Jesus points out that there is a part about
denying self, and there is another part about following him. Luke
helpfully gives us some essential features on discipleship. These
essentials are trust (Lk 9:37-43); suffering (Lk 9:44-45); humility
(Lk 9:46-50); purpose (Lk 9: 51-56); commitment (Lk 9: 57-62);
involvement (Lk 10:1-20), and prayer (Lk 10:21-24). However all these
need the work of the Holy Spirit if Christian spiritual formation is
to take place. We cannot will or discipline our bodies into spiritual
transformation.
The purpose (telos) of Christian spiritual formation is three-fold
reflecting the economy of the Triune God. Christian spiritual
formation is (1) to restore image of God (imago Dei) within us so that
we reflect the character of Christ; (2) to form a people of God –the
body of Christ; and (3) to be part of God’s plan of reconciliation
with all of creation (missio Dei). Christian spiritual formation is
Trinitarian in basis as it is an invitation to join in the
perichoresis or eternal dance of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
So let us embark on the journey of Christian spiritual formation,
availing ourselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, and
intentionally becoming disciples of Jesus Christ with “informed minds,
hearts on fire, and contemplative in actions” until “we, who with
unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed
into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the
Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Blessings,
Alex
P.S. Wishing all Chinese readers a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year on 14
Feb 2010