Spiritual formation—the process of becoming increasingly devoted disciples of Jesus Christ—is what we believe to be the core task of the church. Because we are always being formed into one kind of person or another through everything we do, it is essential for those who desire to become like Jesus to be intentional about how we might change and grow.
At Redeemer Downtown, we seek to create a culture where people respond to the grace shown to us in Jesus by taking ownership and responsibility for their growth. To do this, we engage in nine practices which help us to see Jesus more clearly. For it is through gazing on him that we are changed from glory unto glory, as explained in 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Our daily practices—what we choose to prioritize and do regularly—are the things that form us. Incorporating the nine practices below can help us become people who love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and who love our neighbors as ourselves, as the Lord calls us to do in Matthew 22:36-40.
Ben shares about how he sees rest as a gift from God and explains how he pursues it amidst the demands of his work.
Aimee shares about how she sees the abundance of suffering in NYC as individual opportunities to practice the ways of Jesus.
Ashley & Paul share about how being intentionally friendly and warm can plant seeds for the gospel.
Andrew shares reflections on how church membership is an outward expression on his faith.
Haley reflects on how consistent time in spiritual friendships, sharing and bearing with one another, is both filled with richness and is formative.
David shares reflections from doing life with a community group that's been together for more than 15 years.
Mylo shares about how stepping out in faith and generosity has helped him to grow in his faith and be less fearful.
Ned shares about how he prioritizes reading Scripture before bedtime and how he plans his mornings around Scripture memorization and prayer.
Sarah shares about how her family prioritizes Corporate Worship at Redeemer Downtown and how doing so has helped form and encouraged them.
By Rev. Pete Nicholas
Scripture memorization is the most important spiritual discipline to pair with daily Scripture reading and prayer.
By Rev. Pete Nicholas
Just as our physical health is greatly impacted by what we eat, our spiritual health is greatly impacted by what we feed our souls.
By Rev. Pete Nicholas
Living for the heavenly Jerusalem and not the earthly city of Rome helped Augustine reframe politics in the fifth century AD, and this provides us insight to help us love one another today.
By Rev. Pete Nicholas
Much of the political left and right are shaped by a way of seeing the world predicated on power, but Christ's call for us to ‘love one another’ should lead us to a different approach.
By Rev. Jeff White
Is church membership biblical? Why does it make a difference? Having benefited from the steps of church membership, you will likely exclaim, “What took me so long?”
By Rev. Pete Nicholas
Is Christian formation distinct, or does it share the same goals as secular psychology, sociology, and other religions, merely seeking to arrive by different ‘Christian’ means?
Our spiritual formation model and the accompanying worksheet provides a pathway and diagnostic tool to help us grow to become like Jesus in his character and purposes.
Scripture kindles a flame in our hearts of love for God and gives us the spiritual fuel to not grow weary of doing good to others while resisting our natural selfishness.
Through Habit Workshops, Praise & Prayer nights, meals with church officers, and Bible studies, we will endeavor to support each other in our spiritual formation.
