What is Spiritual Formation Coaching?

Let’s begin with a definition of spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. The following paragraphs will clarify and elaborate on this definition.

First of all, spiritual formation is a lifelong process of growth toward wholeness in Christ. It is a process of “growing up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15). The apostle Paul promotes this message when he appeals to the church at Galatia: “my little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19).

“Being conformed” to the image of Christ refers to the reality that we are not in control of transforming ourselves, but we must make ourselves available for God to transform us through the Holy Spirit. The practice of spiritual disciplines is an essential aspect of this process of transformation. There is no exhaustive list of spiritual disciplines but some include meditation on Scripture, silence, solitude, fasting, prayer, simplicity, worship, and celebration.

In stating that we are being conformed to the image of Christ “for the sake of others,” we recognize that our spiritual formation is not our own individual private possession but is intended for the benefit and well-being of others; that is, to be effective witnesses of God’s grace and mercy to those who follow Christ as well as to those who do not follow Him.
Spiritual formation is not merely an option for the believer in Christ. We are either moving toward Christlikeness or allowing ourselves to be formed (or de-formed) by the values and mores of a culture which is opposed or even antagonistic toward God’s reign and kingdom. The choice is always ours!

Spiritual formation coaching is the process by which one person (the coach) guides another person through the assistance of the Holy Spirit in clarifying his or her vision for spiritual formation, identifying the gap between the current reality and the desired future, setting specific goals, and assisting the person in progressing toward this desired future through purposeful inquiry, examining assumptions, and offering support, encouragement, and accountability.

Coaching sessions can be conducted in-person or via Zoom and are typically held twice per month for an hour.