A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham
Mar 31, 2025
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In this conversation, Matthew Bingham, an Associate Professor of Church History at Phoenix Seminary and author of "A Heart Aflame for God," argues that the Reformed tradition offers a rich approach to spiritual formation often overlooked for its cerebral reputation. He critiques the prevailing notion that emotional or experiential aspects of faith are superior and advocates for a biblically grounded practice. They explore essential spiritual disciplines, the significance of Scripture, and the need for a balanced model that includes both intellectual and experiential dimensions of discipleship.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of consistent engagement with Scripture to foster spiritual growth and effective communication of faith.
A structured Reformed approach to spiritual formation is advocated, critiquing eclectic methods that lack grounding in biblical teachings.
The discussion of the 'Reformation Triangle' illustrates how interconnected practices of Scripture intake, meditation, and prayer are essential for spiritual formation.
Deep dives
Promoting Spiritual Growth Through the Word
One of the key themes discussed is the promotion of spiritual growth through consistent engagement with the Word of God. The episode emphasizes a particular edition of the ESV New Testament, designed to aid individuals in deepening their understanding of Scripture while sharing the gospel with others. The reading plan contained within this edition serves as a practical guide for Christians aiming to immerse themselves in biblical teachings. This focus on Scripture not only nurtures personal faith but also equips believers to communicate their beliefs effectively to family and friends.
The Importance of Spiritual Formation
The conversation highlights the importance of a structured approach to spiritual formation, particularly within Reformed traditions. The guest addresses concerns that the Reformed faith might be overly intellectual and lacking in practical disciple-making. By critiquing the eclectic approaches to spiritual growth that sometimes arise from outside the Reformed tradition, the episode insists on the necessity of grounding spiritual formation in Scripture. This balanced approach aims to ensure that believers become more conformed to the image of Christ while maintaining solid theological foundations.
Engagement with Historical Practices
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the term 'spiritual formation' and its historical implications, including its associations with medieval mysticism. The guest reflects on his own experiences in seminary to illustrate the importance of having a coherent understanding of spiritual practices that integrate with Reformed theology. He argues for a recovery of historic teaching which emphasizes word-centered spirituality over existential claims made by other traditions. Thus, the historical context serves to enrich contemporary practices, ensuring they remain rooted in biblical foundations.
The Reformation Triangle of Spiritual Practices
The episode introduces the concept of a 'Reformation Triangle' to illustrate three essential components of spiritual formation: Scripture intake, meditation, and prayer. The guest explains that these activities should not be viewed as separate practices but as interconnected means through which believers encounter and relate to God. He emphasizes that all spiritual growth must stem from these word-based practices, which are seen as vital for cultivating a deeper relationship with God. This model encourages believers to engage with Scripture intimately while simultaneously fostering a prayerful attitude.
Addressing Spiritual Dryness
Finally, the episode tackles the reality of spiritual dryness that many believers may experience despite following conventional spiritual practices. The guest reassures listeners that feeling spiritually stagnant does not invalidate their faith or the means provided for growth. He highlights that many biblical figures endured periods of barrenness and yet remained steadfast in their commitment to God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to persist in their engagement with Scripture and prayer, as the process of spiritual growth often involves navigating through difficult seasons.
It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assume that there is no right or wrong way to do spiritual formation. This often leads evangelical to adopt an eclectic approach to personal growth in Christ. Many Christians in conservative Protestant churches end up adopting Catholic and Orthodox approaches as being more fulsome and effective. But what if there is a Reformed approach to spiritual formation that is rich, deep, historic, and more biblical than the alternatives? That’s what Kevin explores with Matthew Bingham (associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary) as they dig into Matthew’s fantastic new book A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation (Crossway).
Chapters:
0:00 Sponsors & Intro
3:27 Tell Us About Yourself
8:16 Spiritual Formation
14:18 A Heart Aflame for God
21:15 A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
26:53 Sponsor Break
29:44 Biblical Centrality
40:40 The Reformed Triangle of Spiritual Formation
