INFLUENCE ON FORMATION CHURCH’S PERSPECTIVE ON SPIRITUAL FORMATION:

Foster provides Formation Church with accessible pathways through the classic disciplines, rooting practice in grace rather than performance.

• Spiritual disciplines as grace-filled pathways
• Integration of action and contemplation
• Joy as a sign of healthy formation

Key Works: Celebration of Discipline, Streams of Living Water

Core Teachings:

• The classic spiritual disciplines are pathways of grace, not legalistic burdens.
• Different streams of the Christian tradition (contemplative, holiness, charismatic, etc.) enrich one another.
• Joy and freedom are signs that disciplines are rooted in grace.

Signature Themes:

• Spiritual disciplines
• Streams of tradition
• Joyful simplicity

Primary Writings & Major Editions:

• Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline.
• Richard J. Foster, Streams of Living Water.
• Richard J. Foster, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home.
• Richard J. Foster (ed.), Devotional Classics (with James Bryan Smith).