02 Spiritual Formation

We believe that formation is the Spirit-led process of becoming more like Jesus. Changed lives happen as we commit to regularly walking in the ways of Jesus as opposed to the ways of the world. While there are multiple avenues for formation at Trinity, we encourage every member to adopt a “rule of life” - a Spirit-filled, grace-based, framework of habit that enables you to deeply abide in Christ (John 15).

Spiritual formation at Trinity is built on two pillars:

FAITH LITERACY Nurtures your knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith. Equips you to live out your faith in our current cultural moment.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES Nurtures habits that form you to go deeper in following Jesus. Through the ABIDE core spiritual practices take the next steps in personal and communal spiritual formation.

Adopting a Rule of Life

While there are multiple avenues for formation at Trinity, we encourage every member to adopt a “rule of life” - a Spirit-filled, grace-based, framework of habit that enables you to deeply abide in Christ (John 15).

We have made each letter of the ABIDE acronym into an active word about being formed in Jesus and connected core practices to each formation word. Please note that no one will be doing all these practices at once! Through the spiritual formation ministry, we will provide direction, support, and resources to help you discern which practice(s) God wants to form in. 

A.B.I.D.E. 

Adore

Worship Acknowledge that God alone is worthy of all our worship. Praise God as the creator and sustainer of life and giver of every good gift. Focus on his character and attributes, his names, and his presence.

Sabbath Receive God’s provision of a day set aside for rest. In practicing Sabbath, we honor God by acknowledging our human limits and establishing healthy rhythms of work and rest.

Prayer (praise) Communicate regularly with God throughout the week with prayers of praise, worship, thanksgiving, adoration.

Bless

Acts of Kindness Commit to actions that serve others with generosity of spirit and resources. Seek increased awareness of the physical and spiritual needs of people around you and put the good of others ahead of your own.

Simplicity Structure your life in ways that make it more freeing. Turning from the demands of consumerism, reorient your desires around gratitude and trust in God. Provide more generously for others through thoughtful stewardship of your resources.

Invite

Living in Community Participate in the communal life of the church by giving and receiving friendship, accountability, and gospel partnership in the body of Christ. Share the joys and struggles of others journeying through the world as apprentices of Jesus.

Hospitality Make room for friends and neighbors. Invite the uninvited and re-humanize those whose humanity has been abused and degraded. Nurture dignity and respect for others by honoring the image of God in every person.

Devote

Scripture (study) Commit to regularly study and grow in your knowledge of God’s word. Use resources that help you understand how to read the bible as a comprehensive, connected book. With respect for when and why it was written, learn to articulate its truth and application for today.

Prayer (intercession) Set aside times throughout the week for prayers of intercession for yourself, others, and the world.

Fasting Commit to abstain from food for a brief time and use the period of abstinence to pursue spiritual nourishment in spending that time with God. Let go of a regular routine to become more aware of your complete dependence on God and his sufficiency for you.

Examine 

Scripture (meditation) Commit to prayerfully meditate on scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through God’s word. Reflect on the truths and promises of scripture and be open to how the Spirit is applying them to the formation of your heart and mind.

Confession Be honest with yourself and God about attitudes and actions that are not honoring him. Seek God in prayer to confess your intentional and unintentional sins, repent, and receive his boundless grace and forgiveness.

Silence & Solitude Commit to intentional times to be alone in a quiet place with God. Receive from God what he wants to give and what only he can give you. Acknowledge your deep dependence on him and increase your awareness of his presence and guidance.