Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ [Paperback]

Paul Pettit (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 2008

This textbook for introductory spiritual formation courses presents the fundamentals and practices of the discipline. This collection includes presentations by several well-known evangelical scholars including Gordon Johnston, Darrell Bock, Richard Averbeck, Klaus Issler, and others.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Foundations of Spiritual Formation takes a unique approach to its subject, arguing that we become like Christ in the context of authentic, Christian community. Without undermining individual Bible study, private prayer, and meditation, the authors emphasize these pursuits for the purpose of both personal and community enrichment-that the whole body, as well as the individual, may be built up. Part 1 lays the foundations of spiritual formation. Jonathan Morrow develops a distinctively evangelical theology, while Richard Averbeck writes about worship. Then Gordon Johnston and Darrell Bock delve into the text of Scripture, grounding the pursuit of spiritual formation in revealed truth. Part 2 focuses on functional aspects of spiritual formation. Klaus Issler emphasizes the importance of the heart in spiritual formation, while Reid Kisling illustrates the vital connection between character development and spiritual formation. Bill Miller explores love's role as the motivation for spiritual formation. Andrew Seidel examines servant leadership, and George Hillman extends the discussion to include the significance of calling. Gail Seidel discusses personal narrative as a catalyst for spiritual formation, and in closing, Harry Shields advocates the public preaching of the Word as a tool for spiritual formation. Paul Pettit (D.Min) is director of the spiritual formation program at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of Congratulations, You're Gonna Be a Dad; Congratulations, You've Got Tweens; and Dynamic Dads. Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth Kregel A & P Logo

About the Author

Paul Pettit (D.Min., Dallas Theological Seminary) is the president and founder of Dynamic Dads, an organization offering encouragement to fathers. A former sportscaster and youth pastor, he currently serves at Dallas Seminary as director of spiritual formation. Paul enjoys theology, golf, Kansas University basketball, and Texas barbecue.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional (September 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825434696
• ISBN-13: 978-0825434693
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #163,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Paul Pettit serves as Director of Spiritual Formation and teaches in the departments of Spiritual Formation and Pastoral Ministries at Dallas Theological Seminary. Paul's background includes experience as a sportscaster, author, and speaker. He and wife Pamela, co-authored Congratulations, You're Gonna be a Dad! (Kregel) In addition Paul has written; Dynamic Dads: How to be a Hero to Your Kids (Tyndale House), Congratulations, You've Got 'Tweens. (Kregel), and Foundations of Spiritual Formation. (Kregel Academic)
Paul holds degrees from the University of Kansas, Moody Bible Institute's Advanced Studies Program, Dallas Theological Seminary's Master of Theology and the Doctor of Ministry degree also from Dallas Seminary. He enjoys coaching emerging leaders and also basketball, golf, politics, and barbecue.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read!!, April 27, 2009

By 

L. Hattan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ (Paperback)

This book is a must read for all Christians who desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord! "Community" is a sort of buzzword in Christian circles today but, of the plethora of books offered on this topic, Pettit's book stands alone. "It is my thoughtful conclusion that any man or woman in college or graduate school without an accountability group is an accident waiting to happen. It is just a matter of time. Character failure is seldom a blowout; it is usually the result of a long, slow leak" (Hendricks, 9). I read this quote on the first page of the book and I was immediately hooked. Petit and company offer a fresh, biblical perspective on what true, spiritual formation is. As our society becomes increasingly individualistic, this book reminds us that we cannot do the Christian walk alone...we need each other!
I especially appreciate the focus in part II of the book, which looks at practical characteristics of spiritual formation with emphases on obedience, character, love, & leadership. Each chapter is written by a different expert in the field and study of spiritual formation, giving this book a distinct, balanced, perspective. The entire book is founded on the Word of God, not current trends in Christian community and spiritual formation. I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone currently in ministry and anyone seeking to better understand God's call for believers to live and grow in community.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theology and Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direciton, November 28, 2008

By 

Robert W. Kellemen "Doc. K." (Crown Point, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ (Paperback)

Foundations of Spiritual Formation returns spiritual formation to it's pre-modern, church history days by arguing that we become more like Christ in Christian community. The editor, Paul Pettit, wisely divides this text into an opening section on the theology of spiritual formation for and in community, and then the closing section on the methodology of spiritual formation for and in community.

Leading experts in the field integrate theology and practice seamlessly. Along with other recent texts, this should be a staple for Evangelical spiritual formation.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction" "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must have for the library, March 21, 2009

By 

Marjorie T. Danielson (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ (Paperback)

I have to say, this is a must have for any resource on discipleship. Variety of Christian self-help books explores how to be a better Christian. Yet this book is refreshing in reflecting on the role of community to grow in one's understanding of the Bible, godly character, and, essentially, worship of God.

Many times books either solely dwell on the theology or skip the foundational pieces to go straight towards application. It can leave the reader asking why should I take this approach or how really would this work? This book provides a nice blend where Part I provides the foundation/theory behind discipleship while Part II provides practical steps and ideas (especially the chapter on developing a life story). It is important to understand why we believe that it is important to be a part of a community as compared to a Christian lone ranger approach.

Even though Foundations of Spiritual Formation is directed to readers that are in seminary, this is a good read for any Christian that is actively mentoring!