“Living as Jesus’ disciple, I am learning from him how to lead my life in the Kingdom of the Heavens everywhere I am, in every activity I engage in.” – Dallas Willard

Disappointment can make us defensive, withdrawn, or quick to judge, but it can also help us understand our expectations, communicate more clearly, and recognize where we need healthy boundaries. Grace helps us respond without allowing hurt to have the final word.

What actually happens in spiritual direction? You talk. A spiritual director listens. Together, you pay attention to where God may be present and at work in your life.

You weren't meant to become like Jesus by yourself. Christian formation has always had a communal dimension. Sometimes another person can see what we can't. We need people who know us, listen, encourage, and tell us the truth.

You may be experiencing a season of prayer that feels different. What would it look like to tell God about it?

The goal of spiritual practices is a life increasingly responsive to God.

Try this 60-second spiritual practice today: Stop and take one slow breath. Notice where you are. What do you see? What do you hear? What are you carrying? Then pray: “Jesus, I am here with you.”

Your ordinary life can become a place of apprenticeship. How can you be attentive to God here?

Your ordinary life is forming you. What do you notice in yourself?

Self-improvement says: Try harder to become a better version of yourself. Christian spiritual formation says: Who am I becoming in relationship with God?

Early bird pricing for The Apprentice Gathering 2027 is OPEN now through midnight on September 28! Register here: apprenticegathering.eventsma…

To be an apprentice of Jesus is to ask: How would Jesus live if he were me? Formation happens as we learn to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and participate in his work.

Every day, something is shaping who you are. What you repeatedly • think about • love • practice • give your attention to What has been forming you lately?

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering

James Bryan Smith’s latest thought from above is, “Christ in You, The Hope of Glory.” In this episode, Smith continues his three-part series on the book of Colossians. apprenticeinstitute.org/2026… #ThingsAbove #Podcast #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute

Join us for The Apprentice Gathering in September; fewer than 15 tickets remain. Register today! apprenticeinstitute.org/the_… #CSF #christianspiritualformation #apprenticeinstitute #TAG #theapprenticegathering