In today’s conversation, we received wisdom and insight from Dr. Steve Porter about all things spiritual formation and transformation – in personal, pastoral and church contexts. Steve’s work at the intersection of philosophy, theology and psychology means that he brings multilayered insight into the conversation around growth and transformation. Shaped and informed by the spirituality of Paul and the insight of folks like Dallas Willard and Eugene Peterson, Steve reminds us of the spiritual realities available to us as persons in Christ. He encourages us to be aware of God’s presence, engaging in spiritual practices as windows that open ourselves to God. He also shares how we can internalize the love of God and how we as the church can support one another in making the invisible love of God visible and tangible, especially if we have struggled to experience that love in human relationships. We’re excited that Steve will be joining us at Regent in the summer to teach a class on Cultivating Formation-Minded Pastors and Churches (July 21-25). We'd love for you to join us!

Bio

Dr. Steven L. Porter is the Senior Research Fellow and Executive Director of the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture at Westmont College. He is also an affiliate professor of theology and spiritual formation at Biola University's Institute for Spiritual Formation and Rosemead School of Psychology. Dr. Porter earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California under the mentorship of Dallas Willard and holds an M.Phil. in philosophical theology from the University of Oxford. His academic work focuses on Christian spiritual formation, the doctrine of sanctification, and the integration of psychology and theology. Additionally, he serves as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care.

Publications Referenced

Steven L. Porter. “Internalizing the Love of God: A Theological Psychology of Receiving and Resisting Love.” Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 17, no. 1 (2024): 25-35.

Steven L. Porter. "The Future of Spiritual Formation." Journal for Spiritual Formation and Soul Care 16, no. 1 (2023): 3-13.

Steven L. Porter. "Biblical Spirituality and Contemplative Spirituality." In Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice, edited by John H. Coe and Kyle Strobel, 139-165. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2019.

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