What Does Discipleship and Spiritual Formation Look Like These Days?
Arch Wong, DMin, PhD Professor of Practical Theology and Associate Director of the Flourishing Congregations Institute, Ambrose University
Check out this short 5 minute video as part of our November weekly video series on spiritual formation and discipleship. This series features scholars and practitioners from across theological traditions and Canadian regions, sharing Canadian research, theological reflection, and practical application.
Recommend Resource
Discipleship from Catholic, mainline and conservative Protestant congregant perspectives in Canada Arch Chee Keen Wong, Joel Thiessen, Keith Walker, and Bill McAlpine
With a focus on spiritual and discipleship practices and processes that help to facilitate spiritual growth among congregants, this Canadian study draws on survey data from over 250 Catholic, mainline, and conservative Protestant congregations, with over 9100 participating congregants. The data shows how those in each denominational tradition understand the spiritual practices and discipleship processes that aid in their spiritual growth, and also reveals the importance of a congregational context that is welcoming, safe, and caring as precursors to effective discipleship.
Upcoming Events
Flourishing Congregations Institute
Resourcing churches for ministering well
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 9am-12noon MST
Join church leaders across theological contexts and Canadian regions at Ambrose University or online for Canadian data, theological reflection, and practical application on various themes.
Lament and Hope: The Vital Role of Creation Care in 21st Century Discipleship
Thursdays: November 10 - December 1, 2022 1:30 - 3pm Eastern
Newspaper headlines regularly report the disturbing realities of climate change and biodiversity loss - the ecological crises of our time. But how are Christ followers to respond? How is the care of creation related to discipleship? And what does the church have to contribute in the face of ecological degradation and the anxiety it generates amongst our parishioners and our neighbours? Join us as we explore this overlooked cornerstone and opportunity for Christian mission in Canada.
Becoming a Church of Closeness: The Challenges and Opportunities of Synodality
Friday, November 18th, 2022 10am Pacific/1pm Eastern
Catholics around the world want to respond to Pope Francis’ vision of becoming a “Church of closeness”, but many are left wondering what it means to live out synodality practically in the parish. Join Father James Mallon and Sister Natalie Becquart in a conversation where they explore what it means to live synodality at a parish level.
"My Parish isn't Missional!": How To Lead When You Are Not in Charge
Thursday, December 8, 2022
11am Pacific/2pm Eastern
“But what if my parish isn’t missional?” This is the cry of many laypeople who long to see their parish come alive. When the parish priest isn’t actively leading change, fruits can be limited and parishioners can even feel helpless. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! Join a conversation exploring the ways you can influence, lead, pray, and serve fruitfully in a parish that is not yet oriented to mission.