Steve Macchia — The Gift of Brokenness
Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast
Deep Dive
What is the difference between an organization and an organism in the context of spiritual formation?
An organization is a structured necessity, but it is not an end in itself. An organism, on the other hand, is life-giving and dynamic, representing the true movement of the Spirit in people's lives.
Why does Steve Macchia believe that the spiritual formation movement may not be just a passing moment?
He sees the spiritual formation movement as part of a larger, 2,000-year-old conversation about growing into Christlikeness, which will continue to evolve with different voices and emphases over time.
What challenges does Steve Macchia see in the current spiritual formation movement?
He observes that corporate and business values have infiltrated many ministries, leading to competition, dehumanization, and a focus on strategy over organic, relational growth.
How does Steve Macchia describe the importance of brokenness in spiritual formation?
Brokenness is a reality for everyone, and embracing it leads to greater humility, grace, and a deeper reliance on God. It is essential for moving toward wholeness and restoration.
What role does community play in the journey from brokenness to wholeness?
Community is crucial for supporting one another through difficult times, processing brokenness, and fostering genuine spiritual growth. It is not a journey meant to be taken alone.
How does Steve Macchia view the influence of worldly values on modern ministries?
He believes that worldly values, such as competition and profit-focus, have corrupted many ministries, leading to a loss of the organism's life-giving essence and a focus on organizational strategies.
What does Steve Macchia suggest as an alternative to strategic ministry growth?
He advocates for a more organic, relational approach to ministry, where growth is driven by God's leading and relationships rather than strategic planning.
How does Steve Macchia use a ring as a reminder of his spiritual priorities?
He wears a ring as a tangible reminder of his commitment to Jesus Christ and his desire for total abandonment to God, similar to Oswald Chambers' teachings.
What does Steve Macchia believe about the role of suffering in the Christian life?
He sees suffering as a gift and a necessary part of the journey, holding hands with sorrow and suffering to avoid falling into pride or selfishness.
How does Steve Macchia describe the impact of the pandemic on personal relationships and spiritual growth?
He believes the pandemic isolated people, leading to self-editing of their true selves and a loss of connection with others, which contributed to disunity and a strange post-pandemic reality.
- The speakers discuss whether Christian spiritual formation is a long-term movement or a short-lived trend.
- They debate the influence of corporate values on ministry and the importance of relational growth.
- The conversation touches on the long history of spiritual formation within Christianity, suggesting it is a continuous process rather than a new fad.
Shownotes Transcript