Spiritual Formation

Faith & Fellowship Magazine
Written By Tim Mathiesen

July/August 2025

Spiritual Formation: Working with Jesus to become more like Jesus

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Featured
Live in Grace, Serve on Mission
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Live in Grace, Serve on Mission
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04

As we grow in our faith and live out God’s mission that he’s called us into, our good works are not attempting to add to the saving work that Jesus has already done. Instead, these actions are in response to that saving work.

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Spiritual Formation
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Spiritual Formation
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04

Spiritual formation can be a touchy topic for some because it can seem to veer toward mysticism, subjectivity, and works-based righteousness. However, we are all undergoing spiritual formation all the time. 

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Spiritual Discipline of Discipleship
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Spiritual Discipline of Discipleship
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04

Looking to the model of Jesus and his disciples, we can learn how service is the entrance to discipleship. He ate with them, he prayed over them, and he washed their feet. 

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Drawing Closer to God
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
Drawing Closer to God
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04

Since starting to incorporate spiritual formation practices into my daily life, I have started seeing God at work in all aspects of my life, and it has improved my relationships with those close to me.

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04
New Location for Elevate
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Elevate Youth Convention, Youth and Young Adults
New Location for Elevate
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Elevate Youth Convention, Youth and Young Adults

We are so excited about this theme and all the plans that have been made for Elevate ’26. We pray that our youth will leave the convention in awe of the gifts that God gives to us and his calling on our lives.

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Elevate Youth Convention, Youth and Young Adults
Our Library Is for Everyone
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Lutheran Brethren Seminary
Our Library Is for Everyone
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Lutheran Brethren Seminary

While the library serves seminary students and faculty first, its abundant resources are available to the broader CLB community! We wish to encourage and educate laypeople, church leaders, and future pastors within the denomination, equipping them for their ministries or personal studies.

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Lutheran Brethren Seminary
Relief to the Weary
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Women's Ministries
Relief to the Weary
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Women's Ministries

When I am afraid, when struggles come, when evil seems to loom large over me, his rod and staff comfort me. I can sit at the feet of the Lord, confident that he will never leave me or forsake me.

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Women's Ministries
God’s Quiet Call to Hillcrest
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy
God’s Quiet Call to Hillcrest
Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy

As I lead Hillcrest into this next chapter, my heart is full of hope. I believe this school matters more now than ever. We are unapologetically Christ-centered, committed to Classical Christian Education, and passionate about forming students in faith, intellect, and character. 

Faith and Fellowship Magazine, Spiritual Formation, 2025-04, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy

Tim Mathiesen
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