5 Essential Steps for Spiritual Formation: Developing a Christian Worldview and Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

5 Essential Steps for Spiritual Formation: Developing a Christian Worldview and Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual formation is a lifelong journey for Christians, encompassing the development of a Christian worldview and the discovery and utilization of spiritual gifts. It involves the process of being formed into the likeness of Christ and growing in faith and character. In this article, we will explore five essential steps for spiritual formation, providing guidance on developing a Christian worldview and discovering your spiritual gifts.

1. Embrace the Initial Stage: Baby Stage

The first step in spiritual formation is embracing the initial stage, often referred to as the “baby stage.” Just as newborn babies require nurturing and basic teachings to grow physically, new believers need spiritual nourishment and foundational truths to grow spiritually. During this stage, it is crucial to establish a firm foundation in faith by immersing oneself in God’s Word, engaging in prayer, and seeking guidance from mature Christians. As 1 Peter 2:2a states, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”

It is essential to rely on credible sources of knowledge during this phase of spiritual formation. According to United Theological Seminary, spiritual formation is a communal process initiated and supported within the context of the entire body of Christ. Engaging with reliable resources such as biblical commentaries, theological texts, and trusted mentors can provide a solid foundation for developing a Christian worldview.

2. Progress to Stages of Growth

As believers progress in their faith journey, they move through various stages of growth. These stages involve battling sin, hungering for God’s Word, being satisfied in His grace, embracing His plans, and understanding our priestly role within His kingdom. Each stage builds upon the previous one, leading to deeper spiritual maturity.

In his book “Growing in Faith,” R.C. Sproul emphasizes the importance of character formation in Christ. He states that Christians are characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This transformation occurs as believers engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and service.

3. Cultivate a Christian Worldview

Developing a Christian worldview is a vital aspect of spiritual formation. It involves shaping our beliefs, values, and perspectives according to biblical principles. A Christian worldview provides a lens through which we interpret the world and make decisions. It helps us align our thoughts and actions with God’s truth and engage with various aspects of life from a biblical perspective.

According to Dallas Willard, spiritual formation is the process of transforming our innermost being to reflect the heart of Christ. This transformation enables us to naturally express the deeds of Christ in our daily lives. As we cultivate a Christian worldview, it is crucial to engage with reliable resources that explore topics such as theology, ethics, apologetics, and cultural engagement from a biblical perspective.

4. Discover and Utilize Your Spiritual Gifts

Every believer has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). Discovering and utilizing these spiritual gifts is an essential step in spiritual formation. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God to empower believers for ministry and service.

To discover your spiritual gifts, it is important to engage in self-reflection, prayer, and seeking guidance from mature Christians. Additionally, various assessments and resources are available to help identify your spiritual gifts. Once you have discovered your gifts, it is crucial to utilize them in the context of a local church or Christian community.

According to LifeWay Christian Resources, utilizing spiritual gifts not only benefits the individual believer but also contributes to the growth and effectiveness of the body of Christ. By using our gifts in service to others, we participate in building up the church and fulfilling God’s purposes.

5. Build Christian Habits for Spiritual Formation

Building Christian habits is a key component of spiritual formation. These habits include disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, and serving others. By engaging in these practices consistently, believers cultivate spiritual growth and deepen their relationship with God.

According to Cru, there are three essential elements for growing spiritually: grace, truth, and time. Grace reminds us that we are imperfect and in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Truth is found in God’s Word, which corrects, trains, and challenges us. Time allows for the development of consistent habits and the maturing of faith.

By developing Christian habits, believers create a lifestyle of ongoing spiritual formation. These practices help us align our hearts and minds with God’s will, develop intimacy with Him, and embody His character in our interactions with others.

In conclusion, spiritual formation involves a lifelong journey of developing a Christian worldview and discovering and utilizing spiritual gifts. By embracing the initial stage of spiritual growth, progressing through various stages, cultivating a Christian worldview, discovering and utilizing spiritual gifts, and building Christian habits, believers can experience transformative growth and maturity in their faith. It is essential to rely on credible sources of knowledge within the Christian tradition and engage in practices that align with biblical principles to facilitate spiritual formation.