Spiritual Formation Resources
These transformative studies for adults focus on building authentic community and/or on the practice of spiritual disciplines. Resources marked with * are available to borrow from the United Media Resource Center.
Introductory Level
*Five Means of Grace: Experience God’s Love the Wesleyan Way Elaine Heath and Joerg Rieger 2017 6 sessions DVD, guide, small book In this six-session DVD study, Elaine Heath and Joerg Rieger discuss five means of grace that John Wesley called 'instituted,' meaning these are spiritual practices that were instituted in the New Testament and are binding for all time and in all places. The chapters are short, but the practices are powerful.
*Following Jesus Carolyn Slaughter 2008 12 sessions Leader’s guide, participant’s book (up to 13 copies available to borrow) First produced by Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, this 12-session group is perfect for groups just beginning their faith walk or for anyone looking for a deeper foundation. Following Jesus leads adults to rediscover Jesus, grow in the spirit, and learn to live in faith and in service to the church, community and world.
*God Is Closer Than You Think John Ortberg 2005 6 sessions DVD, leader’s guide, participant’s guide, book In this six-session small group Bible study, John Ortberg helps you to discover and enjoy a vibrant, moment-by-moment relationship with God the Father. Intimacy with God can happen right now - a closeness you can feel, a reality you can experience for yourself. God is closer than you think, and connecting with God isn't the exclusive domain of monks and ascetics. It's for business people, high school students, busy moms, single men, single women...and most important, it's for YOU.
Intermediate Level
*The Class Meeting: Reclaiming a Forgotten (and Essential) Small Group Experience Kevin M. Watson 2014 8 sessions DVD (optional), book (with small group discussion guide at the end of each chapter) In this eight-session study, Kevin Watson shares John Wesley's time-tested and proven method of small groups with today's church. A class meeting is a small group that is primarily focused on transformation, not information -- where people learn how to interpret their lives through the lens of the gospel, build a vocabulary for giving voice to their experience of God, and grow in faith in Christ.
Companions in Christ: Exploring the Way Stephen D. Bryant and Marjorie Thompson 2005 6 sessions Leader’s guide, participant’s book This resource seeks to be both a sample of the Companions in Christ 28-week resource and also a basic informational and experiential introduction to Christian formation spirituality. The resource can accommodate either an hour or an hour and a half setting and can be completed in just 6 weeks.
Advanced Level
*The Divine Conspiracy: Jesus’ Master Class for Life Dallas Willard and John Ortberg 2010 6 sessions DVD, leader’s guide, participant’s guide (up to 6 copies available to borrow) Weaving biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice into one cohesive six-session DVD study, Dallas Willard and John Ortberg show you the necessity of making profound changes in how you view your life and live out your faith. Based on the Sermon on the Mount and the book 'The Divine Conspiracy,' Willard and Ortberg call you into a more authentic faith, offering a practical plan so you can answer the call.
