Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered, 2nd Edition

"Always a creative practitioner of spiritual formation, Wilhoit now gives us a nuanced reasoning for why and how it works and a practical approach to accomplish it in the church."

"As I read through Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered, I found myself smiling. Wilhoit beckons the church to focus its attention on the grace-filled mission of forming disciples or apprentices of Jesus and letting other things flow out of this fundamental orientation. This insight is wise and prudent, and it directly addresses the spiritual consumerism that has infected so many churches. I see Dallas Willard nodding his head in agreement! Wilhoit's book will profit pastors as they seek to follow Jesus's great commission and every precious person who longs to be more deeply formed into the image of Jesus."

"Spiritual formation is the task of the church. Wilhoit clearly explains and develops this foundational principle in this book. The title accurately identifies individualism as the problem with many Western approaches to spiritual formation while also noting that the church community provides a biblical path that better represents authentic spiritual formation. I have used the first edition in different settings, and I'm thrilled for the excellent improvement in this second edition. I will definitely use this book in my teaching ministry and recommend it to others!"

"Wilhoit reminds us afresh that God's strategic purpose for the church rides on a robust Christian Spiritual Formation (CSF) process predicated on Scripture. This process is hardly a solo endeavor but rather one anchored in the richness of community within an active and God-glorifying church context. Through a 'culture of formation,' the church needs to be a place of safety, trust, transparency, and grace where the Holy Spirit has the liberty to transform lives into Jesus's likeness. Loaded with practical applications, this second edition highlights how the church is to take its rightful place as the incubator of CSF."

"Authentic formation is centered on Christ and Scripture. From our understanding of being God's beloved, we are spiritually empowered to have healthy relationships in our families, churches, communities, and beyond. Whether we experience joy or suffering, love or doubt, blessings or challenges, Wilhoit desires that we are mindful of the presence of God's transformative power in the various vicissitudes of our lives. Jesus came so that we could have a spiritually formative encounter with him. Wilhoit's passion for individuals to live a life of authenticity is evident in this book. Because of his faithfulness to a spirit of excellence, he has written a resourceful book, and consequently, the world will be a much better place for all!"

"For anyone who has ever thought that the way we 'do church' is missing something, this book is a godsend. Wilhoit reclaims the New Testament vision of local congregations being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. Unless we gather to be formed, nothing else we attempt to do as God's people will amount to much. As Jesus says, 'Apart from me you can do nothing' (John 15:5). In this second edition, Wilhoit has refined and strengthened his arguments--his wisdom--for how local gatherings of God's people are designed to be the nonnegotiable relational context for Christian formation and, thereby, mission. This book is my go-to for what Christian formation should look like in local churches."

"Christian spiritual formation is often reduced to personal practices and individual faith without an awareness of its communal nature. Wilhoit provides a corrective by developing an ecclesiology that situates spiritual formation in faith communities and the broader social context. As broken people participate in communal practices such as worship, discipleship, and service, by God's grace they receive forgiveness, healing, and renewal. In a communal view of spiritual formation, Christians are not formed for themselves but for the sake of others, and are to engage in God's redemptive work in the world. I highly recommend Wilhoit's thesis of placing the church as the curriculum for spiritual formation because of its transformative power!"

Praise for the First Edition

"Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered is the mature fruit of a devout scholar. Here Wilhoit weaves theory, passion, and practice together into a rich re-presentation of the gospel for the local church. He takes the discussion about spiritual formation an important step forward, shifting the emphasis from private pursuit to corporate culture. Sensitive to the seldom-noticed dangers along the path of growth toward Christlikeness, this book is loaded with wisdom for those who desire to facilitate communities of formation."

"Wilhoit has written a book of special urgency for our times. In it he addresses the central problem facing the contemporary church in the Western world and worldwide, the problem of how to routinely lead its members through a path of spiritual, moral, and personal transformation that brings them into authentic Christlikeness in every aspect of their lives. . . . He helps any serious person engage the project from where they are, discover what really works for Christlikeness and what doesn't, and assess outcomes realistically to make needed adjustments as they go."

"From the first stunning sentence in Wilhoit's book--'The church exists to carry out Christ's mission in the world'--I was hooked. Wilhoit captures the journey and struggle of spiritual growth through the life and invitations of Jesus Christ. This lovely work nourished my heart, instructed my mind, and opened my spirit to the Spirit of Christ."