formation at the common table

From Foundation to Maturity

Formation & Learning

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From Foundation to Maturity

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From Foundation to Maturity

Formation reading

Formation and Learning in the Christian Life

Christian faith is not sustained by a single decision, moment, or experience. From the beginning, the Church has understood faith as a way of life, formed over time through teaching, prayer, practice, and perseverance.

To speak of formation is to speak of how believers are shaped — in mind, heart, and habit — so that the life of Christ may take root and bear fruit. Learning, in this sense, is not merely the acquisition of information, but participation in a process of transformation.

“Until we all attain to the unity of the faith… to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)

Formation as a Biblical Pattern

Scripture consistently presents faith as something that grows.

Jesus did not merely deliver teachings; He formed disciples. He called them to follow, to listen, to practice, and to remain. Instruction was joined to imitation, correction, and patient guidance.

The apostles continued this pattern. New believers were not left to self-direct their faith, but were devoted to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). Growth was expected, but it was never rushed.

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2)

Formation, therefore, is not optional maturity for a few; it is the ordinary calling of the whole Church.

Learning That Serves Faithfulness

Christian learning has always been ordered toward faithfulness, not status or mastery. Knowledge, when separated from love, becomes burdensome. Yet love without truth becomes fragile.

The New Testament holds these together:

  • Teaching that is sound and trustworthy
  • Lives that are shaped by obedience
  • Communities that encourage growth

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable… that the man of God may be complete.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

The purpose of learning is not accumulation, but readiness — readiness to endure, to serve, and to remain faithful in changing circumstances.

Scripture, Prayer, and the Shaping of Habit

Christian formation is sustained through repeated practices. Scripture is read and heard again and again. Prayer is returned to daily. Worship gathers the community week by week.

These practices do not function mechanically. Rather, they form habits of attention, humility, and trust. Over time, they teach believers how to listen before speaking, how to repent before defending, and how to hope when circumstances are uncertain.

“Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord… He is like a tree planted by streams of water.” (Psalm 1:1–3)

Formation is slow because it is deep.

From Milk to Solid Food

The New Testament speaks candidly about growth and stagnation. While all believers begin somewhere, maturity is expected over time.

“You need milk, not solid food… solid food is for the mature.” (Hebrews 5:12–14)

This distinction is not meant to shame, but to invite progress. Formation respects different stages of faith while encouraging movement toward greater discernment, responsibility, and wisdom.

Christian learning must therefore be patient without becoming complacent, and demanding without becoming harsh.

Learning Within the Body

Formation is never purely individual. The faith is learned within the Body of Christ, where gifts differ and growth is mutual. Teaching, encouragement, correction, and example are shared responsibilities.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another.” (Colossians 3:16)

The Church forms believers not only through instruction, but through shared life — by worshipping together, serving together, and bearing one another’s burdens.

Formation Across Time

Throughout Christian history, formation has taken many forms:

  • Catechesis for new believers
  • Rule-shaped lives of prayer and work
  • Scripture read in daily and seasonal rhythms
  • Teaching shaped by creeds and confession

While expressions have varied, the aim has remained the same: faithfulness to Christ over time.

This reminds the Church today that formation need not be novel to be effective. Often, what is needed is not reinvention, but recovery.

Learning as Stewardship

Christian Fellowship understands learning as an act of stewardship. What has been received is meant to be passed on — not merely preserved, but lived.

Within The Common Table, this category exists to gather resources that support formation: reflections on Scripture, prayer, doctrine, history, and practice, offered not as an exhaustive curriculum, but as nourishment for the journey.

The goal is not speed, but depth.
Not breadth alone, but rootedness.

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

Scripture for Study and Meditation

References & Sources

Scripture & Formation

Catechesis & Christian Learning

Anglican & Ecclesial Resources

Further Reading