Spiritual Transformation Continued...

It has been wonderful reflecting on the concept of spiritual formation. One of the things I am really interested in finding out is how small groups aid in the spiritual transformation of high school aged students. One of the reasons I am seeking this information is to complete my graduate thesis. While this is truly important for me, the deeper reason still lurks in the kingdom.

The deeper reason for gaining this knowledge lies in kingdom living. Namely attaining Christ-likeness. The Apostle Paul writing Ephesians 4: 10-15, puts it this way.

"10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..."

With that being said, "does participation in small group bible studies actually aid in true spiritual formation? Do they help the follower of Christ grow in the measure Paul speaks?"

What do you believe? Any comments? I would love to hear from you!