Formative Practices Recommended Resources
Recommended Reading*
You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith
You are what you love. But you might not love what you think. In this book, award-winning author Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices.
GET THE BOOK ➜
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
Mothers, fathers, plumbers, nurses, students—we’re all on a journey. And spiritual disciplines are for all of us who desire to know Christ deeply and be like him. Here is direction for our desire, leading us to the ultimate destination: more of Christ himself. While the word discipline may make us want to run and hide, Calhoun shows how desires and discipline work together to lead us to the transformation we’re longing for—the transformation only Christ can bring. Instead of just giving information about spiritual disciplines, this handbook is full of practical, accessible guidance that helps you actually practice seventy-five of them.
GET THE BOOK ➜
Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World by A.J. Swoboda
We live in a 24/7 culture of endless productivity, workaholism, distraction, burnout, and anxiety–a way of life to which we’ve sadly grown accustomed. This tired system of “life” ultimately destroys our souls, our bodies, our relationships, our society, and the rest of God’s creation. The whole world grows exhausted because humanity has forgotten to enter into God’s rest. This book pioneers a creative path to an alternative way of existing. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, this book offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that leads to fuller and more joyful lives.
GET THE BOOK ➜
Recommended Viewing
Brittany’s Story
Brittany shares the shaping power the formative practice of worship has had on her life.
WATCH THE VIDEO ➜
Recommended Practices
15 Formative Practices
There is such a variety of formative spiritual practices that can shape us in any season of life and we have created guides to help you explore fifteen of them. Each practice has a video introduction and a brief downloadable guide and, when you try one, we encourage you to practice it for at least a week.
TRY A FORMATIVE PRACTICE ➜
* While we may not agree with everything in every book we recommend, we think they are helpful resources to better understand Scripture and learn to follow Jesus in every area of life.
