Spiritual Formation at St Matthias Church
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
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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 and Formation Focuses
At the heart of our journey to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did are spiritual practices—practical ways we embody faith and cultivate lives that reflect Christ’s character. These practices shape us over time, deepening our connection with God and others. As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:7, we are invited to “train ourselves to be godly,” and these practices are an essential part of that training.
To help us engage more intentionally, we follow a rhythm of Formation Focuses, with two areas of spiritual formation explored each school term. These focuses provide tangible ways for our church community to lean into specific practices or themes, such as Sabbath, Scripture, or Fasting. Through Sunday teaching, group discussions, and other resources, we aim to help everyone incorporate these practices into their daily lives.