Every day, we are being formed by what we consume and engage. From social media to the latest Netflix binge, our minds are being led by what we ingest with our eyes. Yet, the call of the Christian is this: to be conformed to Christ.
The work of Christian formation is an exercise in surrender of the whole self, dwelling in God's Word and allowing Him to shape and mold His people. In this book, you'll find:
- A call to recover truth, goodness, and beauty in the work of formation
- A clear presentation of key doctrines and the work of "getting it right" for rich Christian formation
- Practical guidance on developing a culture of formation within your church
- A call to a deepened commitment to formation through embracing humility, cultivating friendship, and pursuing a vibrant spiritual life
About the Author :
Coleman M. Ford is an author, teacher, and speaker devoted to imparting the goodness, truth, and beauty of the Christian tradition. He has taught for numerous schools and theological seminaries and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Humanities at Texas Baptist College in Fort Worth, Texas. His work has appeared in Christian publications such as The Gospel Coalition and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, as well as numerous academic journals and presses. He writes on early Christian thought and spirituality, as well as spiritual formation for modern Christians. He is married to Alex and they have three beautiful children.
Review :
"Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are always being formed. Coleman Ford invites us into spiritual formation and draws from Scripture and church history to guide us into the rich treasures of a life with Christ. Coleman lives out these ideas in his own life and has field-tested them in classrooms and churches around the country. Formed In His Image should be the go-to text on spiritual formation for churches, Christian colleges and seminaries, and small groups."
-Daniel Darling, Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement and assistant professor of faith and culture for Texas Baptist College, and author of several books, including Agents of Grace, The Dignity Revolution, and The Characters of Christmas "In Formed in His Image, Coleman Ford makes the compelling case that spiritual formation is not a one-time event, but rather the fundamental telos of the Christian life as we bear God's image in union with Christ. In an age of microwaved results and public posturing, this book is the kind of primer needed to recenter us on the patient and often quiet work of sanctification."
-Brandon D. Smith, assistant professor of theology & New Testament at Cedarville University and co-founder of the Center for Baptist Renewal
"While Formed in His Image has all that you would expect to find in a book on Christian formation, it also explores significant themes that rarely get mentioned in such books and conversations--themes like beauty, imagination, the Trinity, union with Christ, humility, and friendship. That alone makes the book worthwhile and an important contribution to this growing field, and Ford is to be commended for helping us think about formation in light of these categories. But more than that, this book is worth reading because it will leave you better equipped to appreciate the goodness of God and be shaped by the truth of God so that you might better behold the beauty of God. What more could you want?"
-Justin Wainscott, Associate Dean, School of Theology and Missions, Union University
"What I like best about Coleman Ford's Formed in His Image is his division of the book into 'Doctrinal Foundations for Christian Formation' and 'Practical Foundations for Christian Formation.' This aligns with Paul's instructions to 'keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching' (1 Tim. 4:16). In other words, in your Christian life and ministry, pursue both piety and theology, heart and head, heart and light, spirit and truth. The most Christlike spirituality is consciously guided by the truth of Scripture, and theology is most accurately understood when it results in Christlike actions. Thank you, Dr. Ford, for reminding us of this biblical equilibrium."
-Donald S, Whitney, professor of biblical spirituality and associate dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. Author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Praying the Bible, and Family Worship.
"Anyone who is serious about conformity to the image of Christ will benefit from Coleman Ford's work. His faithful integration of doctrine and practice makes this work a needed and appreciated contribution in the field of spiritual formation."
-Andrew Hébert, Ph.D., Lead Pastor, Mobberly Baptist Church, Longview, Texas. Author of Shepherding Like Jesus.
"Formed in His Image integrates many key theological and practical topics that are often neglected or separated from one another - the Trinity, Union with Christ, beauty, humility, friendship. Coleman brings these together and shows how they are all critical foundations for spiritual formation. The result is a wise, comprehensive, and engagingly written vision of the Christian life. Thank you, Coleman, for this much-needed resource for Christians!"
-Drew Hunter, Teaching Pastor, Zionsville Fellowship, Zionsville, Indiana; author, Made for Friendship
"Ford has provided us a trustworthy guide filled with timeless truths on the trending topic of Christian Formation."
-Jeff Medders, Author of Humble Calvinism
