... is an author, teacher and coach for leaders and teams who want to create a better world from the inside out.

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I am passionate about practical spiritual formation.

But what is formation?

In psychological and personal growth language formation is described with phrases like:

• Moving from the false self to the true self

• Experiencing higher consciousness, enlightenment or non-dual thinking

• Healing from trauma, inaccurate narratives and unhelpful coping strategies

• Living from a fully activated whole-brain/mind within a cohesive narrative

• Being fully alive and experiencing unity with God, self, others and the natural world.

The New Testament presents Jesus as the path, example and guide to being formed in our deepest purpose and potential. It describes this journey using language and phrases like:

• Becoming like Christ and having the mind of Christ

• Gaining wisdom and character

• Being fruitful and productive

• Living by Spirit instead of first instincts or impulses

• Growing in grace and love

• Experiencing the fullness of life under God's eternal reign

A summary description of formation that I find helpful:

Spiritual Formation is an intentional process of becoming like Christ by learning to live from a more accurate understanding of who God is, who we are and how life works.

We participate in our formation-- by learning to use our bodies and minds in new ways. (Romans 12:1-2).

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about spiritual formation. Here are a few we hear most often:

1. It’s all up to God and requires no effort on my part

2. It’s all up to me. I have to grit it out alone

3. It’s just about getting the right ideas

4. It only involves explicitly religious or devotional rituals and practices

5. My life circumstances prevent me from going on the journey

6. I can do it alone without the companionship or support of others.

The good news is that you don't have to go on the journey of formation alone.

This year I am offering online gatherings to help build an ongoing supportive network of spiritual formation seekers and practitioners. Below are a variety of ways we can be companions on the journey of formation together .

 Mark has written six books on practical spiritual formation that seek to apply spiritual wisdom to everyday life. Before each book is published he spends several years piloting the concepts and processes explored with groups in multiple contexts. 

Learn more about Mark’s books

Mark’s newest book:

THE NINEFOLD PATH OF JESUS: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes. What if the Beatitudes chart a path back to reality? These nine sayings of Jesus invite us to move beyond our first instincts to embrace the deeper reality of “the kingdom of God.” Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, wherever you find yourself, this way is available to you. Includes animating questions, suggested practices and illustrations of nine new postures for life. Available from Intervarsity Press

 Mark is a gifted teacher who draws on his knowledge of scripture, theology and psychology and 30 years experience as a pastor and seeker. He speaks nationally and internationally at universities, conferences and churches and offers training to leaders and organizations through workshops, retreats and online labs. He is also an adjunct professor in the Doctoral program of Fuller Theological Seminary.

Learn more about Mark’s teaching

 Mark is passionate about investing in emerging leaders and building capacity in others. He offers coaching and spiritual direction to individual leaders and works with teams to help them develop transformational strategies and practices in their organizations. 

Learn more about coaching offered by Mark