A question for all of you today:

What does it mean to be formed by faith?

I think those of us in the youth ministry field bat often around the phrase faith formation without a second thought. But when I stop and ponder what those words actually mean, I find it a humbling exercise.

How much have I been formed by my faith?

And, perhaps more to the point:

How much am I letting my faith form me now?

I think back to my time as a youth. I was lucky enough to be reared in truly excellent, theologically and intellectually rigorous congregations in my tender years. I remain grateful for all of the ways my faith was challenged in that season, and the ways in which it was transformed as I transitioned from childhood into adulthood.

But, as I enter middle age (let’s face it, I’m already there!) I cannot help but also ponder: am I still as teachable, as formable as I was back then? Have I become too sure of myself, too set in my own ways, my own perspectives? Where can I be more spiritually pliable?

Like many of you, my work often involves educating others, tending to their faith. But that can all too quickly lead one to into exuding a false veneer of self-focused certainty. How often do I allow myself to sit back and humbled and amazed by the formation God still wishes to do inside of me?

As we start this school year, I am prayerfully playing with that idea, endeavoring to stay open to the notion that God still wishes to form me. Even as I plan to help others in their formation, my spirit is willing me to be attentive to my own inner journey, knowing that that formation work is never fully complete.

Beloved of God: may we all remain teachable and open to the work in progress that is our very spirits. And: may we all remain open to the idea that God wishes to surprise us with grace and wisdom yet again.

With you on the journey,

Rev. Dr. Jill