Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation

by M. Robert Mulholland

M. Robert Mulholland Jr. defines spiritual formation as "the process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others." Compact and solid, this definition encompasses the dynamics of a vital Christian life and counters our culture's tendency to make spirituality a trivial matter or reduce it to a private affair between "me and Jesus."

In Invitation to a Journey, Mulholland helps Christians new and old understand that we become like Christ gradually, not instantly. Not every personality is suited to an early morning quiet time, so Mulholland frees different personality types to express their piety differently. He reviews the classical spiritual disciplines and demonstrates the importance of undertaking our spiritual journey with (and for the sake of) others.

This road map for spiritual formation is profoundly biblical and down to earth. In the finest tradition of spiritual literature, it is a vital help to Christians at any stage of their journey

Audible Audio

Published August 21, 2023

Reviews

[Lexus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most highly recommended books in the past year and it did NOT disappoint. Pleased to get to read it as my first book finished post-seminary. Truly feel so convicted and so eyes-pointed-to-God because of this book. So so timely!!

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mulholland’s Invitation to a Journey presents a strong and needed call to spiritual formation. His central conviction is clear. You are being formed into something. You do not get to opt out of formation. You either move toward the image of Christ or you drift into a distorted version of yourself.

“The direction of our spiritual growth infuses all we do with intimations of either Life or Death.”

Where the book lost me was in how much space it gave to personality from the DISC framework. It felt like the emphasis on personality typing began to overshadow the deeper biblical and relational elements of formation. I appreciate the value of self awareness, but it felt instead of introducing me to the concept of spiritual formation being influenced by personality, the author had to sell it a little too hard. Felt like Dallas Willard got trapped in an enneagram convention.

Still, imo there is much to appreciate. The tone is pastoral. The vision is serious and inviting. 3.5 stars. A worthwhile read for the central idea, even if some parts feel more diagnostic than devotional.

[Danny Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. Audiobook listen.

Most helpful in providing and defining sanctification (‘the process of being confirmed into the image of Jesus for the sake of others’) and in exploring how personality plays a role in how we engage the spiritual disciplines. Definitely some Wesleyan drift toward pure mysticism and Christian perfectionism, so reading with discernment is wise. However, it was helpful to read a very different perspective on sanctification and the role spiritual disciplines play in the process.

[Lajean Hertel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, I started reading it again after I finished! Fully describes the spiritual formation definition as “the process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others.” We can often become self-focused in our pursuit of that formation but by placing it in a corporate and social context, it is a more holistic spirituality. I especially appreciated the prayers at the beginning of each chapter.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant all-in-one primer on the Spiritual journey.

Mulholland presents a road map that is grounded biblically, theologically and phsychologically, balanced, pragmatic and clear.

The expanded edition has practices at the end of each chapter by Ruth Haley Barton, most of which seem helpful for taking you deeper into the area of that chapter and working it out in your life.

I'll definitely be recommending this, as well as revisiting it.

[Scott Robertson · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I love advancing Christianity, I couldn't finish this dry book
I was interested in hearing what this book had to offer, but I could'd get through it. It was very dry, not engaging for me at all. I gave up at about 40% through the book - I just wasn't getting anything from it, and it wasn't getting any better.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half is interesting but the second half is nothing new. It might be for some, however. In that case it would likely be helpful.

[Daniel Mcgregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a few chapters in the middle of the book that make it drag as a whole. However, it is a balanced introduction and overview of the spiritual journey.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

See book description- very helpful information, am reading it again immediately

[James J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good framework into the process of Spiritual Formation. I liked that there were key applications that I want to go back through and assess for myself. The discussion around the unique personalities and how that informs my spiritual practices was really interesting for me in how I should personalize it to myself. Lastly, there were some chapters that dove deep into some biblical verses and I enjoyed reading the author's thought process to help make sense of them.