Spiritual FormationSpiritual Formation
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ lived out within a specific community of faith involves intentional development. The small groups that exist within our community are there to nurture our commitment to an international family of believers. Our church is a concrete expression of God's Plan found in Ephesians 1:10 "And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ − everything in heaven and on earth." As the New Testament saw the bringing together of Jews and Gentiles − so our church body brings together people from all over the world. Our desire is to have the intercultural Christian experience of all the believers to color and shape our church life. By openly exchanging ideas, allowing each person to bring their Christian experience into the discussion of faith and life, our understanding of what it means to be a Christian in our global world will be expanded.
Bible studies focus on the biblical text, but there is a dialogue about what the text means for us in today's world.
Prayer times allow for the development of prayer. Not everyone prays easily in a group. Therefore, our prayer groups give space for each one to pray and slowly develop the confidence to express their needs before God and others.
The Ladies' and Men's meetings encourage individual participation in all discussions.
Worship times on Sunday evening also encourage the participation of each one with their special gifts and talents. There is a rhythm to the order of service, but space for individual expression in sharing personal experiences.
Our community cares for one another as much as is possible. When people have specific needs, the rest of the church family endeavors to help. We want our spiritual formation to be expressed in our actual living.
M. Robert Mulholland Jr. defines spritual formation in his book as follows: "Spiritual formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others." [Source: "Invitation to a Journey, A Road Map for Spiritual Formation", by M. Robert Mulholland Jr., InterVarsity Press, 1993, page12]