Spiritual Formation of a Leader

Fellow pastors, for the past several months, I've been wrestling with the insights of D.A. Carson's teachings on spiritual formation. As someone who has spent over three decades in ministry, I can honestly say that the Lord has been using Carson's insights to challenge and refine my own understanding of what it means to lead from a place of genuine spiritual health. It's been a season of reflection, and something I have been focusing on.

As another year unfolds, leaders in ministry pause to reflect. Have you considered the strength of your own spiritual foundations as you shepherd the flock? It’s a vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of effective leadership. We pour ourselves out for others, but are we diligently tending to the wellspring of our own souls?

This year, the work of D.A. Carson, New Testament scholar and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, has been particularly insightful. Carson’s framework for spiritual formation, rooted in biblical theology and sanctification, offers invaluable wisdom for maintaining a robust spiritual life. He reminds us that our identity, righteousness, and power are inextricably linked to our union with Christ, and that pastors, perhaps more than anyone, need to keep these foundations strong.

Carson approaches "spiritual formation" cautiously, preferring to ground it firmly in Scripture rather than subjective experience. His work provides a solid framework for understanding the core pillars of the Christian life. So, consider his perspective on identity, righteousness, and power and their implications for our ministries.

Identity

We need to challenge the modern notion that identity is found by looking inward. Carson argues that a believer's identity is externally anchored and received. Our primary identity is being "in Christ," not a legal formality, but a profound spiritual reality. It's no longer defined by our past, ethnicity, or social standing, but by our position as adopted children of God. While all humans bear the Image of God, spiritual formation restores that image through the "new creation." We must root our identity in the objective truth of what God has declared about us in the Gospel, not in fleeting feelings or subjective experiences. We don't form our identity; we reckon ourselves to be who God says we are.

For pastors, this understanding is paramount. We are constantly tempted to define ourselves by successes or failures, by the size of our congregations, or by the opinions of others. Carson reminds us that our true identity lies in Christ, freeing us from the performance-based trap that can so easily ensnare us.

Righteousness

Righteousness, in Carson's view, is the bedrock upon which all spiritual formation occurs. Justification and sanctification, while distinct, are inseparable. Spiritual formation doesn't make us righteous in a legal sense; it's the response to being declared righteous through faith in Christ. If we attempt to grow spiritually to become righteous, we fall into legalism. Instead, we are called to "practice righteousness," not as a self-improvement project but as the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Our character aligns with our legal standing before God. The "Law of Christ" guides us, not as a means of earning salvation, but as we are guided by the Spirit to fulfill the moral core of the law – love for God and neighbor – as an act of worship.

As pastors, we must be vigilant in guarding against both legalism and antinomianism. We must preach the importance of both imputed and progressive righteousness, helping our congregations understand that true spiritual growth flows from a heart transformed by grace.

Power

Carson critiques the idea that Christians should always be successful, wealthy, or healthy. True power is displayed in human weakness. Looking back over my adult life, I can see how God used the most challenging moments as the most life-changing moments to stretch and grow in Jesus!  Spiritual formation isn't about moving from weakness to self-sufficiency; it's about progressing from self-sufficiency to a deeper dependence on God's grace. Spiritual formation is impossible without the Holy Spirit, who works through the Word of God. We must avoid seeking power through techniques or emotional highs. Instead, we find power for change in the means of grace – prayer, the Word, communion, spiritual disciplines, and the fellowship of the church. These aren't "magic formulas" but God-ordained channels through which the Spirit transforms our desires and will.

We are often tempted to rely on our own strength, charisma, or strategies to lead. Carson reminds us that true power comes from the Holy Spirit, working through the means of grace. We must prioritize prayer, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and cultivate authentic community to experience the transformative power of God in our lives and ministries.

Keep Growing

Carson’s framework is a reminder that because we are "in Christ," we don't have to perform to earn God's love. This removes the fear that hinders growth. Because we are declared righteous, we are free to pursue actual holiness without the burden of guilt. And because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are not left to our own strength to achieve the righteousness that our new identity demands.

As we enter this new year, let's commit to guarding our own spiritual foundations. Let us remember that we do not grow into Christ's favor; we grow from it. By grounding our identity in Christ, pursuing righteousness through the power of the Spirit, and embracing the means of grace, we can lead with authenticity, integrity, and a deep dependence on the One who has called us to serve.

Keep Lookin’ Up!

Johnny Mac

 * You can read more from D.A. Carson in commentaries and books like “The Cross and Christian Ministry” and “Basics for Believers,” which offer a solid framework for understanding these pillars of the Christian life and foundations for Christian leaders.