Formation is a podcast & newsletter for leaders, seekers, and lifelong learners exploring how people are actually transformed. Subscribe for thoughts from the intersection of theology, psychology, and spirituality.
Tremper Longman III — one of the most prolific and trusted Old Testament scholars of his generation — joins John for a conversation about the parts of Scripture that trouble us most, and why sitting with that trouble might be more formative than explaining it away.
Fear becomes fuel when surrendered instead of suppressed.Courage begins when fear is reordered under God.“Do not fear” reframes reality, not just emotion.
Transformation begins where emotional avoidance finally collapses. Persecuted believers prove courage under unimaginable pressure. Courage is rebuilt daily in lives marked by trauma.
Tremper Longman III — one of the most prolific and trusted Old Testament scholars of his generation — joins John for a conversation about the parts of Scripture that trouble us most, and why sitting with that trouble might be more formative than explaining it away.
AI can assist Scripture—but cannot discern truth or Spirit. When innovation outruns wisdom, formation becomes collateral damage. Simulated souls force a haunting question: what is real spirituality?
AI is becoming a spiritual guide—are we noticing? Chatbots offer connection—but may erode real relationships. As AI companions rise, human love quietly reshapes itself.
Pastors face a choice: leverage AI or be shaped by it. Faster ministry tools risk slower, deeper pastoral presence. The future church hinges on who forms whom—pastors or machines.
Tremper Longman III — one of the most prolific and trusted Old Testament scholars of his generation — joins John for a conversation about the parts of Scripture that trouble us most, and why sitting with that trouble might be more formative than explaining it away.
Tyler Staton joins John for the first conversation in Formation's history. This is a conversation about the ancient and the empirical, and how sometimes we may look for formation in all the wrong places.
Grow spiritually with John Ortberg, one day at a time.
Become New is a ministry that delivers 10-minute weekday teachings from John Ortberg to help you practice formation in everyday life. It’s a helpful and practical accompaniment to Formation.
