Transformation is what Christianity is all about. To follow Jesus is to enter into a journey from an old way of living to a new way of being. As Christians our goal is to become ever more conformed to the image of Christ. Of course we cannot attain this high goal in our lifetime. But we can make progress. We can become more of who we long to be. We can leave behind old ways that have not served us well. We can become more loving to others, more open to God, more in tune with who we are called to be. Such transformation does not happen automatically, even though it is the Holy Spirit working in us to change us. We are asked ""to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure"" (Phil 2:12-13). We work; God works in us. This book is about our part in the work of transformation. Spiritual Transformation examines two main themes. 1) The Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation are explored in six small group sessions: what it is and how it happens. 2) The Goal of Spiritual Transformation is described in six small group Bible studies focusing on Romans 12 & 13, where Paul provides a blueprint for how we are meant to live as followers of Jesus. ""What a gift to have Dick Peace as your trusted guide into the soul's geography of spiritual maturity and transformation. With his small group expertise and pastoral approach to formation, you will be well fed and nurtured as you work your way through each chapter. Let the Spirit empower your steps and be sure to enjoy the journey ahead."" --Stephen A. Macchia, Founder and President of Leadership Transformations, Director of the Pierce Center, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Author of Becoming a Healthy Church ""This valuable and practical guide combines Richard Peace's life-long study of how people grow in Christ with his vast experience of the dynamics of small groups. Peace's gentle and wise leadership assists others in discovering the process of transformation, or conformity to Christ, that is possible only through the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend this well-crafted study for any who desire to experience the fullness of the Christian life."" --Tom Schwanda, Associate Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College ""Spiritual Transformation is the book I have waited for since using Richard Peace's spiritual formation studies with a group that was left longing for more. They needed this final study in the series and it should come with a warning: Danger Don't read unless you want deep change."" --Paul Jensen, Author of Subversive Spirituality; Affiliate Professor of Christian Spirituality, Fuller Theological Seminary; President and Founder, The Leadership Institute Richard Peace, PhD, holds the Robert Boyd Munger Chair as Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books and articles, including Noticing God.
