Christian spiritual formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for the glory of God and for the sake of others (II Corinthians 3:17-18). The focus of spiritual formation is the Holy Spirit, who guides the ongoing journey towards union with God.
In the 1689 Confession, or the Second London Confession of Faith by Regular Baptists, the following paragraph On The Church (Paragraph 15) is instructive to our committee.
As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification,
The purpose of the Christian Formation Committee is to support, affirm, and encourage the local church, our associations, and our region in its worship and fellowship. The Christian Formation Committee will seek to: pray for the American Baptist churches of Maine, provide resources for deepening worship and fellowship, and demonstrate through appropriate means worship and fellowship.
Potential Ideas
- Prayer gatherings
- Advent and Lenten devotions
- Spiritual Life Retreats
- Morning and Evening Devotions at the Annual Meeting
- Articles
- Resource sharing: Books, articles, etc.
- Pilgrimages
Co-Chairs: Pastor Gary York and Rev. Carolyn Davila
Members: Rev. Dr. Matthew Burden, Rev. Lillian Buckley, Rev. Michael Dalton, Mrs. Linda Hadley-Rood, and Pastor Nuvia Dighello
November 2, 2025 – Day of Prayer
2025 Advent Devotions
Advent Devotion #1 Jeni Pedzinski – HOPE in CHRIST
Advent Devotion #2 Sharon Workman – Advent Wreath
Advent Devotion #3 Julie Carr – The Shining Sun
Advent Devotion #4 Brian Shore – Catching
Advent Devotion #5 Al Fletcher – When They Had Seen Him
Advent Devotion #6 Lillian Buckley – Galatians 4:4,5
Advent Devotion #7 Jay Noll – The Key to Joy
Advent Devotion #8 Michael Dalton – Peace
Advent Devotion #9 Peter Neelon – Seasons
Advent Devotion #10 Al Fletcher – First Greetings of Christmas Morning
Advent Devotion #11 Randy Kelloway – Hope, Now and Then
Advent Devotion #12 Trisha Manarin – Stille Nacht
Reports
Christian Formation Committee Board Report – May 2025
Resources
How to Pray: The Best of John Wesley on Prayer
Praying Successfully Charles Spurgeon
Celebration of Discipline Richard Forster, has a separate Study Guide
Practice the Presence of God Brother Lawrence
In His Steps Charles Sheldon
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: In the Midst of Wickedness
Cost of Discipleship – Bonhoeffer
Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community Bonhoeffer
Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well Randy Newman
Twelve Extraordinary Women AND Twelve Extraordinary Men John MacArthur
Experiencing God Henry Blackaby
There are also DVD based studies, e.g., Heaven by Randy Alcorn, Prayer: Does It Make Sense Philip Yancy, Grace Max Lucado
American Baptist Churches of Maine 