James C. Wilhoit - Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community

For anyone who has ever thought that the way we do church is missing something, this book is a godsend. Wilhoit reclaims the New Testament vision of local congregations being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. In this second edition, Wilhoit has refined and strengthened his argumentshis wisdomfor how local gatherings of Gods people are designed to be the nonnegotiable relational context for Christian formation and, thereby, mission. This book is my go-to for what Christian formation should look like in local churches.

Steve L. Porter , Biola University; editor, Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care

Christian spiritual formation is often reduced to personal practices and individual faith without an awareness of its communal nature. Wilhoit provides a corrective by developing an ecclesiology that situates spiritual formation in faith communities and the broader social context. In a communal view of spiritual formation, Christians are not formed for themselves but for the sake of others, and are to engage in Gods redemptive work in the world. I highly recommend Wilhoits thesis of placing the church as the curriculum for spiritual formation because of its transformative power!

Mark A. Maddix , dean, School of Theology and Christian Ministry, Point Loma Nazarene University

Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered is the mature fruit of a devout scholar. Here Wilhoit weaves theory, passion, and practice together into a rich re-presentation of the gospel for the local church. He takes the discussion about spiritual formation an important step forward, shifting the emphasis from private pursuit to corporate culture. Sensitive to the seldom-noticed dangers along the path of growth toward Christlikeness, this book is loaded with wisdom for those who desire to facilitate communities of formation.

Evan Howard , author of A Guide to Christian Spiritual Formation

Wilhoit has written a book of special urgency for our times. In it he addresses the central problem facing the contemporary church in the Western world and worldwide, the problem of how to routinely lead its members through a path of spiritual, moral, and personal transformation that brings them into authentic Christlikeness in every aspect of their lives.... He helps any serious person engage the project from where they are, discover what really works for Christlikeness and what doesnt, and assess outcomes realistically to make needed adjustments as they go.

Dallas Willard (from the foreword)

From the first stunning sentence in Wilhoits bookThe church exists to carry out Christs mission in the worldI was hooked. Wilhoit captures the journey and struggle of spiritual growth through the life and invitations of Jesus Christ. This lovely work nourished my heart, instructed my mind, and opened my spirit to the Spirit of Christ.

Adele Calhoun , copastor of spiritual formation, Highrock Church, Arlington, Massachusetts

The title of this tightly woven, consistently challenging meditation on Christian spiritual formation serves notice that this book is going to be more than another self-help manual.... This skilled writer uses many pedagogical tools to keep his audience focused. Clearly written from an evangelical perspective, this cogent and passionate book deserves to have wide appeal.

Publishers Weekly (starred review)