Spiritual Formation is the inward transformation of the self that makes it easy and natural to say the things that Jesus would say and do the things that Jesus would do. Christian spiritual formation is the process of becoming like Christ.

Spiritual growth toward Christ-likeness is neither automatic nor magical. It requires effort. The apostle Paul exhorts, "Discipline yourselves for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7, NASB)

Spiritual formation is an on-going process of: 1.) Assessing; 2.) Measuring; 3.) Planning; and 4.) Growing.

1. WORSHIP - We will be transformed into the image of Christ as we worship in Spirit and Truth. Our worship will be the celebratory action of acknowledging God's worth. We will lose ourselves in God's presence and personality.
2. CONNECT - We will connect with each other in authentic Christian community. As we do, we will come to know Christ through each other as we live out Christ's command to love one another. Authentic Christian community includes: meaningful fellowship, study and application of God's Word, prayer and worship, and encouragement to serve others and to tell others about Jesus.
3. SERVE - We will be transformed into the image of Christ by being good stewards of our talents and time, using our spiritual gifts and natural abilities in the body of believers, and developing a servant's heart.
4. STUDY - We will be transformed into the image of Christ through the study and application of God's Word. The Spirit of God will work through the Word of God to nourish us spiritually, shape our character and worldview, and guide our steps.
5. PRAY - John Calvin, Reformed theologian, taught that prayer is an intimate conversation with God. We will be transformed into the image of Christ through prayer. We will adopt an attitude that arises from biblical faith and focuses our attention and whole life on God resulting in intimacy with God.
6. GIVE - Everything we have belongs to God. We will be transformed into the image of Christ by being good stewards of our financial resources. We will give with an attitude of cheerfulness and delight as we contribute to the building of God's Kingdom.
7. TELL - Motivated by the love of God for us, demonstrated in Christ, we will fulfill our commission as Christ-followers by cultivating relationships with non-believers and people far from God, and articulating the story of our relationship with Jesus Christ. We will share the gospel clearly with the people that God places in our lives.
   

The Seven Responses Assessment Process:

You may be asking yourself, "This all sounds great, but where do I begin?"

If you download the Microsoft Word Document and Microsoft Excel Worksheet at the bottom of this page, together, they will guide you through the Seven Responses Assessment Process.

After you have completed the assessment individually, you are strongly encouraged to share the results with a small group of trusted and spiritually sensitive friends. Your home group would be an ideal place. If you are presently not in a home group and do not know who to turn to assist you in this journey, you are encouraged to contact Faith Church's Barnabas Team, people who have been trained to help others with the Seven Responses Assessment Process.

Seven_Responses_Assessment_(Revised_August_17,_2004).doc

Seven Responses Scoring Sheet