The document discusses the process of spiritual formation as a journey with three phases: 1) Meeting people where they are by understanding their worldview, personality, and emotional baggage, 2) Teaching people where they need to go through a six-unit gospel study, and 3) Empowering people to find their own unique path by discovering their spiritual gifts and passions. The goal is to help people surrender their old selves and put on their new identity in Christ through compassionate outreach, directed teaching, and empowered self-discovery.
1. What is the purpose of the church? What is the goal of every believer?
2. Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
3. Psalm 51:10 (NIV) 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
4. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) 18 And 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 5:17 (NIV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Romans 13:14 (NIV) 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
5. Colossians 3:10 (NIV) 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
6. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self , which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self , which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self , which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self , created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. It is a three step process
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8. Overview of the Journey Process Phase 1 Meeting People Where They Are Phase 2 Teaching People Where They Need to Go Phase 3 Empowering People to Find Their Unique Path Inherited Worldview Personality Type Emotional Baggage A Six-unit Study that teaches the essentials of the Gospel and the process of Spiritual Formation Helping each person discover the unique “overflow” that God has in their life and empowering them to jump into it
12. A person’s worldview will directly impact the journey they will need to take in order to see a clear picture of God as he is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ and the Bible.
15. The self-reflection that is brought about by authentic work in Personality Types will expose the particular blindspots within a person that may be keeping them from being able to receive the truth and interact in relationship both with God and others.
16. Once we have realized the need for Spiritual Formation, Personality Types, in combination with the knowledge of learning styles and other self-awareness tools will help us discover our unique path of transformation.
17. Every person has come in contact with pain and evil in the world and is desperately trying to reconcile this reality with the idea of a loving God. Helping unpack this will lead people to the truth and the truth will set them free.
18. Emotional Baggage Internal Forces External Forces Someone did something to me. Where was God? I did something terrible. How can God love me? BLAME SHAME Solution FORGIVENESS
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20. PHASE 2 Where Are You Going? Defining the Goal and Getting Some Direction
21. Discover the most effective method for the person to work through this six-unit study: one-on-one, classroom, online, small group, etc.
22. PHASE 3 How Will You Get There? Mapping Your Unique Path