Spiritual formation is the journey of becoming more like Jesus Christ. Through intentional practices, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit over time, we are transformed from the inside out.
Just like running a marathon, playing an instrument, or learning a new language, spiritual growth doesn’t happen simply by trying harder—it requires intentional training. When we commit to the habits and practices of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we experience deep, lasting transformation. While we are never perfect, we are always progressing in becoming more like Him.

As Dallas Willard beautifully puts it:
"Spiritual formation in the tradition of Jesus Christ is the process of transformation of the inmost dimension of the human being, the heart, which is the same as the spirit or will. It is being formed (really, transformed) in such a way that its natural expression comes to be the deeds of Christ done in the power of Christ."

Taken together, the Six Streams help us envision a balanced spiritual life. They serve as a guide to help us take on the life of Jesus – to become like Jesus ourselves – and as a result to be transformed from the inside out.

The Prayer-Filled Life: Our heart’s steady attention on God

The Contemplative Tradition continually draws us into love for God, reminding us that the Christian life is less like a rule book and more like falling in love. It stresses the value of silence, solitude, and prayer as ways we engage with God’s presence, whether we take a silent walk in the early morning, ride the bus to work, wash dishes while the kids nap, or even take a nap ourselves.

The Virtuous Life: Responding with integrity

The Holiness Tradition emphasises the re-formation of our hearts so that we are able to respond appropriately to the challenges of life. The word ​“holiness” has some negative connotations today, but the original Greek meaning of the word virtue is simply ​“to function well.” Virtuous Life is not about rules or judgement, perfectionism, or some kind of merit gained by good deeds. It encourages us to the ultimate goal: not to ​“get us into heaven, but to get heaven into us.” It is attentiveness to the source of our actions, to the condition and motives of the heart, and taking on new patterns of life that flow naturally from within.

The Spirit-Empowered Life: Fueling our lives from the presence and power of God

The Charismatic Tradition focuses on the power of God’s Spirit moving in and through us. Just as a car requires fuel to run, and our bodies require food for survival, so our souls rely upon the Spirit of God for spiritual energy. Through the Spirit, we are able to do more than we could on our own steam, and these abilities not only remind us of God’s presence, but equip us to build up our communities in love.

The Compassionate Life: Extending compassion in every sphere of life

The Social Justice Tradition expresses the themes of justice, compassion, and peace. It emphasises wisdom and lovingkindness to bring relationships into harmony, unity, and balance, even within our relationship to nature. The Compassionate Life takes place in all arenas of life, from personal to social to global. True compassion is motivated by a genuine heart, is empowered by the love of God, and embraces the possibility of positive change.

The Word-Centered Life: Living the life-giving message

The Evangelical Tradition encompasses much more than simply converting people. The evangel – the ​“good news” – is God’s great message to humanity: that all can be redeemed and restored to its intended design. This is the message embodied in Jesus himself, rooted in the word of God, and ultimately expressed through the lives of those who follow Christ. It is a living tale of grace spoken in and through word and action.

The Sacramental Life: Encountering the invisible God in the visible world

The Incarnational Tradition focuses on the relationship between the invisible spirit and physical reality, helping us to see God’s divine presence in the material world in which we live. God manifests himself in his creation, even in the midst of mundane activities, whenever and wherever we acknowledge God.

Discover more about the Six Streams