The Shape of Our Lives - Print

The Shape of Our Lives:
A Field Guide for Congregational Formation

By Philip D. Kenneson; Debra Dean Murphy; Jenny C. Williams; Stephen E. Fowl

An insightful guide that uncovers the six key forces shaping congregational formation, helping communities grow into the image of Christ.

This book will help you to:

• Understand the deeper forces shaping spiritual formation.
  
• Equip your congregation to grow in Christlikeness.
  
• Discover practical insights for improving congregational life.
  
• Encourage meaningful reflection on the church’s mission and purpose.
  
• Foster unity and spiritual transformation within your community.
  
• Gain practical resources for group discussions and spiritual renewal.
  
• Address contemporary church challenges with theological depth and relevance.
  

Features

• Focuses on six key factors influencing congregational formation: desire, conviction, character, story, practice, and institution.
  
• Theologically grounded with practical applications for church leaders and communities.
  
• Offers a roadmap for congregational health and spiritual growth.
  
• Includes thought-provoking discussions and questions for individual or group reflection.
  
• Written by a team of experts in spiritual formation and congregational life.
  

Soft cover 125pp
 0.76 cms H x 19.84 cms L x 12.85 cms W (0.13 kgs)
ISBN 9781934406182
Englewood Press (2024)

[Allow 4 weeks]

Description

An accessible and insightful exploration of the deep forces that shape spiritual formation in both individuals and congregations.

Focused on six critical factors:

• desire
• conviction
• character
• story
• practice, and
• institution

this book helps Christian communities understand the often unseen influences that guide their faith journey.

The authors lay a theological foundation, offering readers the tools to reflect on and address the values, motivations, and practices that form the life of the church.

Through each chapter, readers will be challenged to explore these six factors and how they can work together to create a spiritually healthy and growing community.

The Shape of Our Lives is especially valuable for church leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of fostering transformation and unity within their congregation.

It offers both theological depth and practical tools for renewal and revitalization.

By engaging with the book, readers will not only deepen their understanding of the forces at work within their churches but also discover concrete ways to cultivate a congregation that is more deeply formed in the image of Christ.

This book is essential for those who want to create vibrant, spiritually healthy communities of believers that reflect God’s glory in a rapidly changing world.