At the beginning of my Spiritual Formation class at Payne Seminary I give the students a Spiritual Formation Assessment. My intent is to follow these students throghout their seminary career. I do this by periodically re-giving this assessment, and keeping in e-mail contact. I send students materials I keep writing on issues of spiritual formation, renewal, restoration, and transformation.
Here's my Spiritual Formation Assessment Form.
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION ASSESSMENT
Dr. John Piippo
NAME __________________________________ DATE ______________
Circle the best answer. 1 = “No,” 10 = “Yes”
1. I spend time alone praying with God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2. Some things in me need to change 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3. I seek God before I act 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4. I rely on God more than my own self 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
5. When I pray I spend time listening 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6. I deeply love God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
7. I allow God to be my Shepherd 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
8. I am a praying person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9. I am transparent before God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
10. I flow with the Spirit of God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11. I allow myself to be examined by God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
12. I know how to abide in Christ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
13. I make God my fortress and strength 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14. I am like a branch connected to God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
15. I have a pure heart before God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
16. I am fully devoted to God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
17. I spend time “being still” before God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
18. I am able to wait on God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
19. I trust God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
20. I am a person of faith 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
21. I am not too busy to pray 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
22. I turn to God often 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
23. I have conversations with God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
24. Spiritually I am “green and growing” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
25. I am a humble person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
26. I am at peace in my heart 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
27. I love other people 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
28. I receive directions from God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
29. I am a patient person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
30. I am a kind person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
31. I sense God’s presence with me 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
32. I do not try to change other people 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
33. I am a joyful person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
34. My spirit is being renewed day by day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
35. I am spiritually alive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
36. I have a restful, not an agitated, heart 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
37. I am a gentle person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
38. Christ is being formed in me 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
39. God is doing new things in my heart 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
40. I have a thankful heart 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
41. I can recognize the voice of God 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
42. I experience God’s love towards me 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
43. I am hopeful about the future 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
44. I don’t mind being treated like a servant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
45. God speaks to me 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
46. God is restoring my soul 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
47. God is my shepherd, & I lack nothing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
48. I am not a fearful person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
49. My God-experience is current & fresh 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
50. I sense God guiding me 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
NOTE:
Statements 1-22 concern necessary conditions for spiritual growth.
Statements 23-50 concern indicators of spiritual growth.
