watch / Disciple-making & formation
The fruitful, creative and intentional formation of disciples is foundational to CCX’s vision – to see the whole Church built up and sent out in love, to plant and grow churches that equip all Christ’s people for his work. Following the publication of research on disciple-making, CCX invited a group of leaders to share their thoughts on its findings, discuss their experiences of formation, and share where they’ve seen God grow them most.
Matthew Frost, Discipleship Lead of CCX, opens the conversation that draws on the latest research of CCX on disciple-making. He’s joined by a panel that includes Sarah Seabrook, Discipleship Pastor of Holy Trinity Clapham, Ian Burgess, Development Worker of St Matthew’s Church, Sheffield, Benita Daniel, Service Pastor and Discipleship Lead of IMPRINT, London, and Darren Wolf, Rector of Christ Church Spitalfields.
The research of CCX and Eido indicated that an intentional ‘decision’ for individuals to take ownership of their faith is vital for spiritual growth. Matthew Frost leads a conversation exploring how the practice of ‘choosing to grow’ leads to growth as a disciple, and the role our churches play in supporting people in this.
There are many different practices available to help us in our spiritual formation, some ancient, some modern. The group discuss those practices that have most helped them in their journeys, and those that they would direct others in their community towards.
A consistent challenge of spiritual growth is that it can draw focus inwards, oriented around the self and away from mission and serving God in the world. Matthew Frost asks the group how they navigate this challenge, and how churches can be encouraged to see the connection between mission and spiritual formation?
Our research highlighted that many people experience spiritual growth after living through a season of suffering. The group discuss their experiences of the role suffering and adversity can play in spiritual growth.
People’s experience of the Holy Spirit is a significant factor in their spiritual formation. The group bring this series of conversations to a close by reflecting on how our churches can be more intentional about creating space to enable the Spirit to shape and grow us.
CCX commissioned Eido to lead research into what is actually helping people to grow as missionary disciples – growing in Christ-likeness, making disciples, and enabling multiplication. We are grateful to the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England for their financial support, which has enabled this research to take place.
Read the research and its suggestions today:
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