The Wisdom of Christian Spiritual Formation

Abstract

This article is intended to serve as a reminder of the themes that have been present in Christian spiritual formation (CSF) through the centuries. In a WISDOM orientation we ground our approach to CSF in Scripture, in theology, and in “best practices,” yet we also seek to thoughtfully locate CSF within specific contexts. The WISDOM acronym reminds us that formation must involve: Wise planning, where the leaders prayerfully seek to implement what is needed in a specific situation; Intentionality, calling people to commit to walk differently from the ways of the world; Scripture, salvation, and Spirit, where the Salvation message and the Spirit-led mission of the whole of Scripture provides the framework for CSF; Discipleship, where the end of CSF is the imitation of Jesus Christ; Optimism, where we pursue our formation in an atmosphere of hope and expectation of change; and Means.