Spiritual Formation in the Black Church

the STOKE IT UP podcast

Summary

The conversation explores the topic of spiritual formation and soul care, particularly in the context of the black church. Dr. Wayne Cooper shares insights from his dissertation and discusses the challenges and opportunities for implementing spiritual formation in the church. The conversation also touches on the need for pastors to be equipped in this area and the potential impact of spiritual formation on church communities.

Lincoln Ave. Christian Church

Fresh Encounter Ministries

Takeaways

• Spiritual formation and soul care are essential for the health and growth of churches in the black community, as they foster a sense of community, belonging, and empowerment.
• The introduction of spiritual formation in the black church presents unique challenges, including the need for pastors to be equipped and the introduction of new concepts to the congregation.
• There is a growing interest among younger pastors in multicultural churches to focus on spiritual formation and soul care, recognizing the need for a shift in emphasis from social grievances to spiritual development.
• The implementation of spiritual formation in the church involves educational programs, small group ministries, and the provision of resources and materials to facilitate the understanding and practice of spiritual disciplines.
• Dr. Wayne Cooper's research and dissertation have the potential to impact the black church and other church communities, with plans to share his findings through workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• The conversation emphasizes the transformative nature of spiritual formation and the importance of aligning with God's plan for personal and communal growth.