We often are very skilled at processing information, analyzing problems and memorizing correct answers. But when our faith becomes too much a matter of information, our hearts can be left empty. Christian Formation recognizes that the storehouse of spiritual treasure which we keep in our minds must find its way into our hearts before we can truly love and serve Christ. But how does this transfer take place? It is not by neglecting the mind, but rather by adding a training of the heart. Traditionally this has been accomplished by prayer, devotional reading, journaling, worship, giving and spiritual disciplines such as fasting or keeping silence before God.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. This seems like an odd question, because they would have learned to pray at the synagogue and in their homes since they were children. They knew how to pray, but not in a way that filled their hearts with the love of God. So we desire for the Lord to teach us to pray in a way that increases our love for Him.

Many Christians keep a regular habit of Bible reading, often in the early morning. But sometimes such a habit becomes more of a duty, and what is read may not "sink in." We desire to learn how to read the scripture so that it truly nourishes our souls. Rather than always reading the scripture in an analytical way, seeking to retain more and more information, we need to learn how to let the Word of God read us, so that it speaks in a personal way that melts our hearts. The early forebears of our church, called the Pietists, talked often of the "Living Word." The "Living Word of God" speaks straight to the heart, shaping and renewing our lives.

Another part of Christian Formation is becoming familiar with the devotional classics. It is opening our hearts to the insights of the saints through the ages, so that light might come to our journey. In our busy lives, we get very caught up in the here and now, thinking that newer must always mean "better." When we gain the humility to truly learn from those who have gone before us, we begin to live in a more Christ-like way.

Finally, in Christian Formation, we learn to practice some of the ancient disciplines that teach us to obey Christ. Fasting, silence, journaling, prayer walks and scripture memorization all help us to listen to God.

This year, we are going to offer a number of opportunities for youth and adults to experience Christian Formation. The adult Sunday School will embark on a year-long spiritual formation journey, with short courses on disciplines that will shape and renew your life. The high school Sunday School class will be following a similar pattern. We also will offer one or more small group experiences using a course called "Experiencing God." In this class, we learn to recognize the presence of God in our lives, and then how to hear His voice and how to obey what He speaks to our hearts.

I invite you to participate in one of the Christian Formation opportunities this year. I believe you will find a renewal in your heart if you do.