A Spiritual Formation Primer

by Richella Parham

Written by Renovaré Ministry Team and Board member Richella Parham, A Spiritual Formation Primer is a valuable resource that answers the question being asked by many today: ''What is Spiritual Formation?'' Richella clearly lays out the basics of Christian spiritual formation and does so in a cheerful and winsome way. This highly approachable volume inspires its reader that transformation into the image of Jesus Christ is available, possible, and awaiting every believer who seeks it. Some of the topics included in this book are: defining Spiritual Formation the centrality of Christ God's grace life in the kingdom of God the process of change the spiritual disciplines the communion of saints the fellowship of believers resources for renewal A Spiritual Formation Primer is perfect for new believers who want to dig deeper into Life with God. It is also an excellent resource for personal and/or small group study as well as a "must have'' for any ministerial leadership team.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

68 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Richella Parham is a writer, speaker, and the author of A Spiritual Formation Primer. She serves as vice-chair on the board of directors at Renovaré, and she is also the worship coordinator at The Gathering Church and a member of the Redbud Writers Guild. Richella lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, Jack.

Reviews

[Sarah]

This little book delivers its title's description: it's a simple overview of the Christian attitudes and disciplines we take on to become more like Christ. It's delightfully concise while drawing from much heavier books of the same subject, such as the Divine Conspiracy.

I'd recommend this to anyone wanting a basic understanding of the spiritual disciplines and attitudes, especially if you only want to take on something light at the moment.

[J9 Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, brief overview of the disciplines of spiritual formation. I appreciate the Recommended Resources list at the end for further study, especially since the author comes from a different faith tradition from my own. background.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although, lighter reading thank Richard J. Foster or Dallas Willard who are both quoted in book, I found this book to be a great Primer for spiritual formation.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, concise intro to and summary of spiritual formation.

[Jon Anderson]

Quick setting primer

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Review: This is a very brief introduction to spiritual formation and the basic steps of how to proceed. Parham is a lay person on the board of Renovare (Richard Foster's organization that was started to encourage spiritual formation). And she was first introduced to the concept of spiritual formation about 10 years ago. So she is writing from the perspective of a lay person that was not too long ago unacquainted with the concept. There is nothing new or original here. It is a basic introduction. But as a basic, short introduction it hits all the major points and objections.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/spiritual-formation-...

[Eric Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual formation for busy people. Or Celebration of Discipline for busy people. Of course, busy people can't short cut spiritual formation just because they are busy, but they can certainly get well on the road with Parham's succinct and very accessible introduction.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to understand walk through of the disciplines that should be developed.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and direct introduction to spiritual formation, the why's and the how's. A refreshing (and free) listen - will probably replay it with the family during our car rides this summer.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannnot rate this higher than 3. The author quotes and explains the ideas of Dallas Willard and Richard Foster. It would be a better use of ones time to read those authors for onesself.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Really short.