What is spiritual formation? What does it mean to follow Jesus? How do we change and transform? Does it happen in a moment or develop over a lifetime? So much of modern evangelicalism is oriented towards encounter – powerful experiences. I – for one – am grateful for powerful experiences I’ve had in the presence of God. But when we frame spiritual growth as a moment – as an encounter – what are we missing out on? In what ways are we being malformed?
This is the subject of my conversation with Jonathan R. Bailey, author of the new book Dwelling in Christ: Discover the Threefold Path of Spiritual Transformation. Jonathan’s was one of my favorite spiritual growth reads this year. For one, it’s not a long book and I too often find myself reading long books. But it’s also a down to earth description of what it actually looks like to follow Jesus over a lifetime. No easy answers. No escaping suffering. And so I wanted to talk to him about it.
Jonathan is the cofounder of Dwell, an audio Bible app helping people rediscover the ancient practice of listening to Scripture. He also serves on the ministry team at Renovare, an organization founded by Richard Foster.
Resources Mentioned:
- Show Sponsor: Planning Center
- Dwelling in Christ by Jonathan R. Bailey
- Prayer by Richard J. Foster
- A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
- The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
- Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
- Streams of Living Water by Richard J. Foster
- Renovare
- Dwell Bible App
- Three Weekly Lights by Jonathan R. Bailey
- Mere Christianity By C.S. Lewis
- The Genesee Diary by Henri Nouwen
- The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
- The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson
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