One of the benefits of being a small groups pastor is that you get to participate in the ongoing spiritual formation of people. The key word is participate, not form. Forming a person spiritually is up to God; however, the person God is forming is part of the equation as well.

Henri Nouwen had this to say in regards to spiritual formation. "Spiritual formation, I have come to believe, is not about steps or stages on the way to perfection. It's about movements from the mind to the heart through prayer in its many forms that reunite us with God, each other, and our truest selves."

With that being said, our task as followers of Jesus Christ, is to become our "truest selves" (italics mine). This means then that we have to pay close attention to our mind and most importantly our heart, guarding against any outside influence from others and the culture; which in and of itself has its own influence upon our formation. It's about praying to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through  you as you begin to form in a way that helps you grow as a follower of Christ. It's about the mind and heart communicating in concert together to form a magnificent symphony of praise and thanks to our creator for taking an active role in bringing us to where he desires.

I pray today that you actively seek out our creator. I also pray that you actively seek to be part of a small group, host a small group, or lead a small group bible study. I am here for you! Let me know of any way I can assist you in any way.

Living small....

Greg