Foreword
Foreword
For some time I participated in two Spiritual Formation Groups simultaneously and was immeasurably enriched by both experiences. The first group was composed of only myself and one other person, the author of this book. The second included myself and three other individuals.
In the fall of 1988, Jim Smith and I started meeting just to see how a nurturing fellowship of mutual accountability might work. I cannot tell you how encouraging and fun-filled those first meetings were: we laughed at our foibles and rejoiced in our successes; we prayed; we made confession; we brought the grace of forgiveness; we made mutual covenants; we challenged and encouraged each other. They were high, holy, hilarious times.
In time, Jim and I were led to study many small-group movements, such as the Benedictines in the sixth century, the Franciscans in the thirteenth century, the Methodists in the eighteenth century, and Alcoholics Anonymous in the twentieth century. We also began developing a balanced vision of Christian faith and practice and a practical strategy for spiritual growth.
The second group came a bit later, and now a third has developed, but each has been equally encouraging. Why do I continue to be in Spiritual Formation Groups? Briefly, let me explain why they mean so much to me.
First, I like the sense of community. None of us is supposed to live the Christian life alone. We gain strength and help from others.
Second, I like the nurturing character. The rule for our weekly gatherings is a good one: give encouragement as often as possible; advice, once in a great while; reproof, only when absolutely necessary; and judgment, never.
Third, I like the intentionality. Our purpose is to become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything is oriented around this single goal.
Fourth, I like the loving accountability. I need others to ask hard questions about my prayer experiences, temptations and struggles, and plans for spiritual growth.
Fifth, I like the balanced vision. To be baptized into the great streams of Christian faith and practice helps free me from my many provincialisms.
Sixth, I like the practical strategy. I want and need realistic handles that actually move me forward into Christlikeness.
Seventh, I like the freedom and the fun. These groups encourage discipline without rigidity, accountability without manipulation.
I enthusiastically recommend this workbook to you. It is the fruit of extensive study and research into group dynamics and the nature of spiritual development. It also has the ambience of those early meetings Jim and I had together. And though I have moved some distance from Jim geographically and we are no longer able to meet together, I still remember well those early days of high, holy hilarity!
Richard J. Foster