Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation

This is a must read for every Christian. The author challenges the readers to live their lives on a higher level.

This book was a wonderful surprise to me when I picked it up. It was given to me as a textbook for a class I was teaching, and I honestly began to read it without any particular expectation. It has turned out to be one of the more practically helpful and insightful books on spiritual formation I have read. It is well organized, and very accessible. Two strengths in particular stand out to me. First is the author's definition of spiritual formation: "Spiritual formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others" (pg. 12). The "for the sake of others" provides a kind of focal point for much of what the book has to say about being conformed. Second is Mulholland's emphasis on the need for believers to be conformed in areas of their lives where they are most unlike Christ. Once that is said, it seems obvious enough: it just isn't said all that often. If you are looking for good books on spiritual formation, I recommend this one highly.

Mulholland does an excellent job of setting the stage for spiritual formation. He helps readers understand that the work of formation belongs to God, that we cooperate with God's grace, and that the context of the work is as important as the work itself. This is especially important for Americans who tend to be so self-centered that we automatically assume that our growth in grace is all about us. Mulholland stresses that this journey is a community journey and that, absent the community, it is artificial on a very practical level. The MBTI/Jungian stuff is helpful to give perspective on the diversity of paths that lead to the renewed image of Christ in us. This aspect of the book is liberating.

I think that Mulholland did an excellent job stating and formulating his ideas on growth and spiritual formation. I found the section, that utilized the pyschologist Carl Jung and the Meyers-Brigg's type indicator extremely facinating and useful. I am currently enrolled in a graduate level Leadership class that utilizes these type indicators. Mulholland identified many things that I am dealing with spiritually, that relate to my personality, that I never have pin-pointed before (e.g. because I am an extrovert, I need to focus more on quite time and reflection in regards to spiritual growth rather than my natural tendency to study in larger groups). It is a very interesting book, although dry at points. I would definately recommend that you read it for your self.If you dont know what personality type you are, check out [the humanmetrics website] and click on the myers-brigg type indicator.

This easy-to-read book provides sound, practical guidance for the development of a personal practice of spirituality. Dr. Mulholland recognizes the individual ways each of us approaches God, and he encourages us to develop these methods to their fullest measure. He also challenges us to explore spiritual disciplines with which we are less comfortable as a way to add depth to our relationships with God. His discussion on the nature of prayer weaves its way throughout the book and provides the foundation upon which spiritual disciplines are built. This book will prove useful to spiritual leaders who wish to introduce spiritual disciplines to others, as well as to individuals who want to explore ways to practice spiritual disciplines in everyday life.