What is Spiritual Formation?

You may have heard phrases like "spiritual formation", "spiritual development", or even "spiritual journey" but what does it really mean? It sounds like just a fancy way of saying Christian Education, but there's a bit more to it.

Why do you suppose you ended up here, reading this page?
Why an Episcopal website?
Why St. John's?

We believe the Holy Spirit is present and working in our lives every day. Not in a "tell us what to do" kind of way, but in a gentle quiet kind of way. Often so quiet and so day to day that we simply don't notice.

As much as we believe the Holy Spirit may have done some work in you to bring you to this site, we also believe He has done some work in us to put us here to greet you. The Holy Spirit has brought us together in this technological world of cyberspace somehow and we are thankful for such a blessing as this.

Spiritual Formation teaches you and reminds you to place the power of the Holy Spirit in the front of your mind. It is the deliberate process of serving others in the name of Christ, everyday. We learn how to be better disciples of Christ through Sunday School and Adult Education Classes but also through worship and acts of service.

Have you ever heard the catch phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" It has become so popular that some only see WWJD and instantly recognize the meaning. It is a simple thing but can help us focus your attention away from ourselves and back on Christ and serving others. That is spiritual formation in action.

At St. John's, spiritual formation happens. Many times it isn't recognized or consciously identified as a "spiritual formation event". We teach American Sign Language to the children and they now sign the Lord's Prayer while we sing on Sundays. At the closing hymn, we turn our bodies and follow the cross to face the doors exiting the church to remind ourselves to take Christ into the world when we leave the Sunday Service. And of course, we have formal education classes, too.

So,
Why do you think you are here at this website?
Is a voice inside you calling you to a faith community?
Are you struggling with issues you want to address in supportive Christian environment?

Wherever you happen to be in your spiritual formation, you will find a welcoming group of people at St. John's to share your journey.

Come Grow With Us