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spiritual formation Assessment

STAGE 1: THE RECOGNITION OF GOD
This is usually the initial stage of a Christian’s growth in Christ. During this stage of your growth, a distinct image of God is formed. You are probably drawn to Him by need or awe. This beginning of faith is genuine, innocent, yet undeveloped.

STAGE 2: COMMITMENT TO FOLLOWING GOD
This stage is normally when you make a personal relationship with Jesus through faith. You tend to learn much of God from the scripture during this stage. Often your guidance and direction and security comes from a mature individual, a small group or even a belief system.

STAGE 3: THE PRODUCTIVE LIFE
Your growth leads to acts of service at this stage. You want to be involved and utilize your gifts and abilities for the Kingdom. There is a danger that such service can become a treadmill or a performance-based activity alone.

STAGE 4: THE JOURNEY INWARD
A crisis, the practising of spiritual disciplines, or simply moving into an older period of life usually precipitates this stage. Here, a person begins to look inward as they desire God to continue to shape them.

STAGE 5: THE JOURNEY OUTWARD
A person at this stage has a new and deeper foundation that enables them to journey outward. You are at peace and can see God in many aspects of life. Image and success aren’t as important, as the restful surrender to God.

STAGE 6: LIFE OF LOVE
You want to lay down your life for God and others. This is a habitual lifestyle.

Can you see where you are in your spiritual journey? If not, a coach or friend, or myself can assist. Then consider the paths of spiritual formation as they might enable you to grow from one stage / aspect to the next. Try checking off the stage, or perhaps two, that you would normally identify as where your soul presently resides. After completing that exercise consider the following spiritual formation avenues that would benefit you where you are and where you would like to be soon.

[page last updated: February 9, 2011]

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