The Dallas Willard Podcast 65. Planning for Spiritual Formation in the Local Church (2012)
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Jan 12, 2026 
In this enlightening discussion, Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and spiritual formation expert, shares his insights on fostering spiritual growth within local churches. He emphasizes that spiritual formation should evolve from individual interests to a church-wide mission. Willard presents the Great Commission as a foundation for discipleship, encouraging churches to train individuals to live out Jesus' teachings authentically. He also discusses the transformation process, the cooperation of grace and effort, and practical strategies for implementing effective church training programs.
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Discipleship As Transformative Apprenticeship
- The Great Commission frames discipleship as transformative apprenticeship to Jesus rather than mere instruction.
- Spiritual formation aims to make disciples who actually do what Jesus taught, producing world-changing character shifts.
Formation Is Reformation Of The Whole Person
- Spiritual formation is transformation because most people already possess some (often wrong) spiritual formation.
- The goal is to break old formations and replace them with inner sources shaped like Jesus.
Scripture Shows Formation As Inner Progression
- Biblical passages (Romans, Colossians, 2 Peter) present spiritual formation as a progression of inner traits culminating in love.
- Formation changes character traits like hope, perseverance, and love, not merely outward actions.
