Knowing Faith After The Fact: Spiritual Formation Is Not A Solo Endeavor With Don Whitney
Nov 25, 2025
In this conversation, Don Whitney, a Professor of Biblical Spirituality and expert on spiritual disciplines, explores the crucial role of the local church in spiritual growth. He emphasizes that spiritual formation thrives in community, contrasting personal and interpersonal disciplines. Whitney highlights the need for both private and corporate prayer, while defining koinonia as meaningful fellowship among believers, not just casual chats. He argues deeper spiritual experiences often come through collective gatherings, urging a balance of solitude and communal worship.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Personal And Communal Spirituality Both Required
- New Testament spirituality requires both personal and communal practices for full expression.
- Don Whitney emphasizes that some spiritual experiences occur only alone while others occur only through the church community.
Two Poles Of Spiritual Disciplines
- Spiritual disciplines come in two poles: personal and interpersonal, and both appear in Scripture.
- Whitney warns that Christians often imagine spirituality as purely personal and neglect congregational practices.
Engage Scripture Individually And Corporately
- Do pursue both solitary Bible reading and corporate listening to Scripture in the local church.
- Whitney instructs Christians to engage Scripture privately and to hear it read, preached, and taught publicly.
