Spiritual Formation - 1595 Words

SPIRITUAL FORMATION THROUGHOUT THE LIFESPAN BY SOMMER BARNES LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE Abstract In this research paper, I will try to illustrate my hypothesis of spiritual formation throughout the lifespan by using my interpretation of a collection of theories. The theories I will refer to include Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory, and Kohlberg’s Development of Moral Reasoning Theory. In Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, he develops a theory of cognitive development that occurs in stages from persons under two years of age through age 14. Piaget’s theory relates to the cognitive development of a human person. In Erik Ericksons Theory of Psychosocial Development, Erikson describes a theory†¦show more content†¦* * Erik Erickson’s theory uses distinct critical crises that occur in one’s life that require an â€Å"ah hah† moment which leads to maturity. It is with this model I will now illustrate another perspective on spiritual formation through the life cycle. Eri kson puts a clear emphasis on societys role in the development of n individual. Erikson advises that crises are never completely resolved and can re-emerge later in life, if left unresolve. I think that throughout ones spiritual journey we all have different things that we question, learn, discover and each of these changes in thinking all come from a moment that you decided that is your belief spiritually. Modeling Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, the first stage is basic trust vs. mistrust. A spiritual leader, a church family, a version of your bible; these things are all things that you rely on to get to know your higher power. These things should align in most basic beliefs but when they contradict one another, a seeker of truth must ask himself- â€Å"What do I believe?† In the next stage of development, autonomy vs. shame are a crisis that occur when the thinking becomes strong and confident when the spiritual journey is welcoming, joyful and en vironmentally sound. In cases * If a believer is surrounded with unstable fellowship, â€Å"lost in the crowd† churches and too many questions within, the seeker canShow MoreRelatedBook Review Spiritual Formation as it the Church MatteredV2 Essay1408 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Book Review: Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered BY: Thomas L. Arrington CLASS: EVAN 500; Spiritual Factors of Growing Churches INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Gregory Faulls DATE: 24 JANUARY 2015 James C. Wilhoit, Spiritual Formation as it the Church Matters (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academics, 2008). INTRODUCTION Dallas Willard wrote in the foreword of this book, â€Å"James Wilhoit has written a book of special urgency for our times.(9)† In this writer’s opinion, that wasRead MoreThe Importance Of Spiritual Formation And Social Action865 Words   |  4 PagesSome respondents reported that, while they were very eager to be engaged with LMAW and that they had a long and deep appreciation for the importance of spiritual formation and social action, they also felt that within their usual â€Å"church life† these two things are so disjointed as to be almost irreconcilable. One respondent said that a spiritual practice that fails to reflect action becomes â€Å"self perception grooming† and another said â€Å"prayer seems important, but also inadequate, [it is] also oneRead MoreSpiritual Formation610 Words   |  3 PagesSpiritual Formation Ministry Plan God expects individuals that call themselves â€Å"Christian† to grow spiritually. The Word of God encourages personal examination as a part of the growth process, as found in Psalm 139:23-24: â€Å"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.† Becoming more Christ-like focuses on how He works in us and not on our work for Him. The Cycle of Works demonstrates that regardless ofRead MoreSection 2 Essay1524 Words   |  7 Pagescontinues through program (Objectives 4, 7, 8) o Weekly - meeting with small group led by Mentor o Bi-weekly - one-on-one meeting with Mentor to develop spiritual growth o Monthly - serve in a volunteer position at church alongside Mentor Section 3: Faith into Action - Months 7 8 (Objectives 8, 9, 10) o Work with mentor to develop personal Spiritual Agenda o Participate in 2-3 Service projects outside of the church building o Identify personal long-term role within the community of believers (withRead MoreSpiritual Formation1966 Words   |  8 PagesContents TWO ROLES OF THE HOLLY SPIRIT IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION 2 INTRODUCTION 2 DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION 3 THE ROLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION 3 EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION 5 REFERENCES 7 TWO ROLES OF THE HOLLY SPIRIT IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. – John 14:18 INTRODUCTION In chapter 14 to 16 of the gospel of John, Jesus talks to his disciples about the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would come after JesusRead MoreWhat Is Spiritual Formation?883 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Spiritual Formation? How would God Himself answer, with just one word, this question? His response, no doubt, would be, conformation. â€Å"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren† (Romans 8:29). Thus, it is His revealed will that His children become more like His dear Son, Jesus Christ, daily. This â€Å"conformation† is brought about in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. God, through the ApostleRead MoreWhat Is Spiritual Formation?1489 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is spiritual formation? Spiritual formation is how God impacts our lives and â€Å"forms† them (our lives) to be like Christ. It is the â€Å"ongoing process of the triune God transforming the b eliever’s life and character toward the life and character of Jesus Christ.† In other writers words spiritual formation can be defined as †the ministry through which we seek to stimulate and support the ongoing spiritually transforming work of the Holy Spirit in and through the personal lives, relationships, andRead MoreWhat Is Spiritual Formation .. .2517 Words   |  11 PagesLife Coaching Spiritual Formation: What Does It Mean? Liberty University Abstract This research paper will give a brief examination of the history and development of life coaching in general, and then it will look towards the niche coaching specialty of spiritual formation. This writer will endeavor to answer the question, â€Å"Spiritual formation: what does it mean?† There will be discussion around this topic as it is examined from several perspectives and worldviews. It will include anRead MoreThe Spiritual Formation Of The United States2078 Words   |  9 PagesSpiritual formation was defined as a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others (Robert Mulholland). It is a process of being transformed by the power of the Trinity God, and the gospel. Through the centuries, Christians were converted and discipled. However, in the last 50 years, spiritual formation and discipleship was neglected in the western world for many reasons. Thankfully, the emphasis of spiritual formation has revived in recent years. As an important partRead MoreSpiritual Formation Across the Lifespan Essay7723 Words   |  31 PagesCHAPTER 9 SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT Hope Haslam Straughan Within the social work profession, there is a growing movement affirming that spirituality and religious beliefs are integral to the nature of the person and have a vital influence on human behavior (Hugen, 1998). Canda (1988) identifies spirituality as a basic aspect of human experience, both within and outside the context of religious institutions. If a social worker is going to approach a person in a holistic manner, he or she must be willing