SFA History

Many in the contemporary church are looking to Jesus in new ways. Recognizing the need for authentic faith in our world, they are dedicating themselves to living as Jesus did and -- as an overflow of His love in their lives -- serving the needs of the world. It is a journey together. This is the spiritual formation movement.

This movement has grown in the hearts of a diverse group of Christians. Early in the history of the Spiritual Formation Alliance, the writings and leadership of Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, Richard Foster, Roberta Hestenes and Larry Crabb served as a springboard. Their involvement has been foundational to our first national Spiritual Formation Forum events held in 2004 and 2006.

As regional events took the forefront in 2007, the additional leadership of Mel Lawrenz, Juanita Rasmus, Scot McKnight, Bruce Demarest, Dave Johnson, Adele Calhoun, Marjorie Thompson, Steve Macchia and others has emerged.

The inspiration of CS Lewis, A.W. Tozer, John Wesley, Martin Luther, John of the Cross and other great writers of the faith live-on in The Alliance, as well. All have led the charge to help us identify and walk out the deep desire to live as apprentices of Jesus.

In 2008, The Spiritual Formation Alliance Board discerned that God was asking us to become a more visible part of this movement of the Holy Spirit. Facilitating the development of A Call to Spiritual Formation -- a clear