At St Matthias, we believe that spiritual growth is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about actively shaping our lives to reflect the character and practices of Jesus.
Our approach to spiritual formation is rooted in the concept of "Practising the Way of Jesus" – a framework that invites us to be intentional about how we live out our faith in practical, everyday ways.
We see spiritual formation as a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, achieved through deliberately orienting our entire lives around his teachings and example. This journey involves cultivating spiritual practices, fostering genuine community, and engaging in acts of service, compassion and justice.
Whether you're new to faith or have been on this journey for years, we invite you to join us in exploring what it means to truly practise the way of Jesus in our modern context.
A community practising the way of Jesus
At St Matthias, we believe that following Jesus is not just about what we believe, but how we live. Our approach to spiritual growth is simple yet transformative: we're learning to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
We want to see people flourish in a community rooted in Jesus' love. Together, we're exploring faith, sharing meals, worshipping, praying, and navigating life's ups and downs. Our hope isn't just a nice idea – it's a practical reality that shines light in dark places and offers real support to those who are struggling.
As we practise the way of Jesus together, we're seeing our lives and our community transformed by the goodness of God. We invite you to be part of this exciting journey of growth and discovery.
Three goals of an apprentice to Jesus:
1: Be With Jesus
Our mission begins with the fundamental call to "Be with Jesus." In this sacred practice, we intentionally cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with God. Through prayer, contemplation, and devoted time in God’s presence, we seek to draw near to the heart of Jesus. This foundational step is the wellspring of our spiritual formation, as we acknowledge the importance of abiding in him to find strength, wisdom, and the transformative power of his love.
2: Become Like Jesus
As we embrace the journey of spiritual formation, our focus shifts to "Become like Jesus." Rooted in the teachings of Christ and guided by his example, we commit to the ongoing process of shaping our lives to reflect his character. Through intentional discipleship, study of the Scriptures, and engagement in spiritual practices, we strive for genuine transformation. The goal is not simply to mimic Jesus but to experience a profound transformation, evolving into channels of his love, grace, and compassion that permeate every facet of our being.
3: Do What Jesus Did
The culmination of our mission is encapsulated in the directive to "Do what Jesus did." As we are formed by his love and shaped into his likeness, our natural response is to actively embody his teachings and emulate his actions. We embrace the call to participate in the redemptive work of the Kingdom by engaging in acts of service, compassion, and justice. Following in Jesus’ footsteps, we strive for an active faith, putting His teachings into practice in our daily lives. We foster community, extend hospitality, and share the good news of the Kingdom of God. By utilising spiritual gifts, practising service and generosity, infusing godly values into our work, and actively pursuing justice and care for creation, we aim to live as Jesus would in our unique contexts. In embodying these practices, we witness to the coming kingdom, actively contribute to the flourishing of all, and participate in the renewal of all things.
Spiritual Practices
At the heart of our journey to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did are spiritual practices. These are the practical, concrete ways we embody our faith and train our souls to reflect Christ's character more fully.
Spiritual practices are not just about belief, but about how we live out those beliefs in our daily lives. They are the habits and rhythms that shape our hearts, minds, and actions over time. As the apostle Paul encourages us, we "train ourselves to be godly" (1 Timothy 4:7), and these practices are our spiritual gym.
Some practices are more individual in nature (like personal prayer or Scripture meditation), while others are communal (such as worship gatherings). Some lean more into abstinence (like fasting) while others are more about engagement (like sharing meals together). All are vital parts of a healthy, growing faith.
Over the coming years, we'll be exploring various spiritual practices in depth. Through preaching series, discussions in our Groups, and other resources, we'll dive into practices that have shaped followers of Jesus for centuries. We'll learn about their biblical foundations, explore how to incorporate them into our modern lives, and share our experiences as we grow together.
There's no one-size-fits-all list of practices, and different seasons of life may call for different emphases. Our goal is to provide a rich toolkit of practices that you can draw from to deepen your relationship with God and others, becoming more like Jesus in the process.
We're excited to embark on this journey of discovery and growth with you. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming deep dives into specific practices, and feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about getting started with spiritual practices in your own life.
Spiritual Formation Resources:
Reading
- Practicing the Way - John Mark Comer
This book offers a practical guide to spiritual practices that help integrate faith into everyday life. Comer focuses on the concept of apprenticeship to Jesus, making it a good choice for those seeking a modern, accessible approach to spiritual formation. - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - Peter Scazzero
Scazzero argues that true spiritual maturity must include emotional health, addressing how unprocessed emotions can hinder one's spiritual life. This book is ideal for those looking to deepen their spiritual journey by integrating emotional and spiritual well-being. - Disciplines of the Spirit - Howard Thurman
Thurman explores the inner life and the spiritual disciplines needed to cultivate a deep connection with God. His reflections are particularly appealing to those interested in the intersection of spirituality and social justice. - You Are What You Love - James K.A. Smith
Smith contends that our habits and loves shape who we are, urging readers to focus on spiritual practices that align their desires with the kingdom of God. This book is for those who want to understand how everyday practices influence their spiritual life. - The Deeply Formed Life - Rich Villodas
Villodas offers a comprehensive guide to spiritual formation, focusing on five transformative values: contemplative rhythms, racial reconciliation, interior examination, sexual wholeness, and missional presence. It's an excellent resource for those wanting a holistic approach to spiritual growth. - Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Haley Barton
Barton provides a guide to spiritual practices that help align your life with the presence of God. This book is suitable for anyone seeking a structured approach to integrating spiritual disciplines into their daily routine. - The Way of the Heart - Henri Nouwen
Nouwen draws on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers to explore solitude, silence, and prayer as pathways to spiritual renewal. This book is particularly relevant for those longing for a deeper contemplative practice in their spiritual journey. - Invitation to a Journey - M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
Mulholland provides a framework for understanding spiritual formation as the process of being shaped into the likeness of Christ. The book is particularly useful for those who appreciate a systematic approach to spiritual growth, emphasising that formation is a continuous journey rather than a one-time event. - Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster
Foster's classic work provides a detailed exploration of the inward, outward, and corporate disciplines that foster spiritual growth. This book is often recommended for those seeking a thorough introduction to the spiritual disciplines. - The Spirit of the Disciplines - Dallas Willard
Willard presents a theological foundation for the spiritual disciplines, connecting them to the life of Jesus and the process of spiritual transformation. It's ideal for readers who want a deeper understanding of how spiritual practices shape their life in Christ. - After You Believe - N.T. Wright
Wright explores Christian character formation, discussing how believers can grow in virtue and fulfil their purpose in God's kingdom. This book is suited for those interested in the intersection of theology, ethics, and spiritual formation. - The Life You’ve Always Wanted - John Ortberg
Ortberg offers an accessible and practical guide to spiritual disciplines, encouraging readers to pursue authentic transformation rather than superficial spirituality. It's a great option for those looking to develop a sustainable and joyful spiritual life.
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