Spiritual Formation
“Spiritual formation is the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer to form us into the character of Jesus Christ, through circumstances, trials, tribulations, and through the intentional practice of spiritual disciplines." – Dr. R. Robert Creech, Senior Pastor
Study
Study revolves around the Holy Scriptures, and includes an examination of background, context, and doctrine, seeking to determine the revelation of God through the Bible. Study also includes biographies and stories of ministry through which God’s work is revealed.
Prayer
As we pray, we learn how to be with God, expressing one’s self to God, and listening for his
response. Prayer is talking to God privately, individually. Prayer can be silent, spoken, or in a group setting.
Worship
The discipline of worship recognizes that God is present, and offers praise, adoration, and thanksgiving for who God is, and for what he has done and is doing in the world. Worship is expressed in music, prayer, scripture reading, and listening.
Simplicity
The discipline of simplicity is learning to be content with a minimum amount of things, in order to focus on the Mission of God. Simplicity is the ability to share with others, giving away that which is not needed.
Silence & Solitude
The discipline of silence and solitude is learning how to regularly retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, into the quiet places, sheltered from the storms of life’s demands. Solitude can be experienced through music or recorded voices, or may be found in the absence of sound.
Serving & Sharing
The discipline of serving and sharing is focusing on the needs of those around us, and seeking to meet those needs. Sharing means that we serve and give gifts to those in need, or witness to those who need to know the saving power of God’s loved.
Community
The discipline of community is learning to live in intimate relationship with a group—caring for one another, meeting each other’s needs, and loving and trusting each other—in ways that draw us closer together as a family. Community is loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, and leads us to love God with all our hearts.
BeTheBody
During the season of Lent 2007, BeTheBody was our focus as we learned about and practiced the principles and activities of spiritual formation. All of UBC was given journals and DVDs for daily devotionals, and our Weekend Bible Studies and Life Team groups discussed spiritual formation. Workshops were held on Sundays and Wednesdays to assist UBCers in our spiritual journey.
BeTheBody Website
During this time a website, www.bethebody.com, was created and holds the archives of the materials. Feedback on this devotional guide, DVD, and spiritual formation emphasis was very positive, and UBCers reported that BeTheBody helped them grow spiritually.