What Is Spiritual Formation?

We tend to focus on acquiring knowledge and improving our performance, rather than entering into a living relationship with our Creator. But spiritual formation starts with relationship, not achievement.

Biblical spiritual formation is the process of growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ to become the people God designed us to be, doing what He has prepared for us to do (Romans 8:29, 12:2; Galatians 4:19; Ephesians 2:10). It happens through personal discipline and a willingness to learn — first from God, and then from the people He has placed within the Body with specific gifts to help us grow (Ephesians 4:11-15). Through knowing and obeying His written word, we grow toward maturity and toward serving others (Colossians 3:16).

It is not about personal piety or performance to earn acceptance — our acceptance before God is already a gift, received by faith in Christ. It’s about realizing His lavish grace and provision, not only for salvation but for daily life: abiding in Him, walking in the Spirit, being rooted in truth, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Galatians 5:16; Romans 12:2).

What Is Discipleship?

Can we teach others what we don’t know ourselves? Spiritual formation normally happens through learning from God’s written word, and through relationships with mentors who show us what we didn’t know we didn’t know.

Discipleship is people leading each other to know, believe, and obey God (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). It’s what the Great Commission actually asks of us — teaching people of every ethnicity to know, believe, and obey Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). God equips people for ministry through other Christians who teach what they’ve learned (2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:12), and there’s a progression from having everything we need for life and godliness in Christ toward bearing much fruit to the Father’s glory (John 15:8; 2 Peter 1:3-11).

What Is Foundational Bible Teaching?

Foundational Bible Teaching is a method of discipleship that has proven effective in establishing thriving churches across many languages and cultures. In 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Paul contrasts foundations for faith and urges his readers to build carefully.

It’s about directing people’s attention to the character and works of God — teaching in a way that lifts up His person, purpose, plan, people, and processes, centered on relationship with Him through Christ. If God’s glory is what the enemy wants to hide from people, God’s glory is what we need to show them (2 Corinthians 4:3-6).

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the New — many doctrines are introduced there before they’re developed later. There’s a progression: knowledge, then understanding (how things correlate), then wisdom (knowing how to use what you know). A teacher can only lead students to an outcome they themselves can see clearly.

For both learner and teacher, one factor can’t be avoided: time. An hour a week won’t produce rapid growth toward maturity.

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