New book on formation

As parents, all of us are helping to form our child's character. Even if you are doing nothing, you are leaving a mark by your un-involvement. On the other hand, most of us are hands on and involved in shaping, molding, and framing our child's outlook on life. At the early stages of development no one, let me say that again, no one, has more influence than you. Later, around the 11 - 13 age range, friends will begin to have more influence than you. But parents have the most impact on young children. What are you doing to help form and shape your child's character, their outlook on life and the important decisions we all have to make on a daily basis? This book can help you keep parenting well. E-Release Announcing a new release from Kregel Academic & Professional NOW AVAILABLE! . . . or from your favorite bookseller! Review Copies & Interview Requests To request a review copy of Foundations of Spiritual Formation, or to arrange an interview with Paul Pettit, send a reply e-mail or contact Leslie Paladino at 1-800-733-2607 x245. Foundations of Spiritual Formation A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ Edited by Paul Pettit Category: RELIGION / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth ISBN: 978-0-8254-3469-3 $22.99 paperback | 336 pages AUGUST 2008 (Available) Foundations of Spiritual Formation takes a unique approach to its subject, arguing that we become like Christ in the context of authentic, Christian community. Without undermining individual Bible study, private prayer, and meditation, the authors emphasize these pursuits for the purpose of both personal and community enrichment--that the whole body, as well as the individual, may be built up. Part 1 lays the foundations of spiritual formation. Jonathan Morrow develops a distinctively evangelical theology, while Richard Averbeck writes about worship. Then Gordon Johnston and Darrell Bock delve into the text of Scripture, grounding the pursuit of spiritual formation in revealed truth. Part 2 focuses on functional aspects of spiritual formation. Klaus Issler emphasizes the importance of the heart in spiritual formation, while Reid Kisling illustrates the vital connection between character development and spiritual formation. Bill Miller explores love's role as the motivation for spiritual formation. Andrew Seidel examines servant leadership, and George Hillman extends the discussion to include the significance of calling. Gail Seidel discusses personal narrative as a catalyst for spiritual formation, and in closing, Harry Shields advocates the public preaching of the Word as a tool for spiritual formation. About the Author . . . Dr. Paul Pettit is director of spiritual formation at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is also the author of Congratulations, You're Gonna Be a Dad; Congratulations, You've Got Tweens; and Dynamic Dads.