Interview– Sue Smedley, Part 2: Spiritual Formation

Written By Ellen Bennett
 

Sue Smedley co-directs the Rivendell Institute's program on spiritual formation at Yale. On this week's show, she delves more into the process and practices of spiritual formation, which endeavors to help those following Jesus go deeper in their faith  - from head to heart, from knowledge to application. The Rivendell Institute website puts it this way: "As followers of Christ, it is our desire to grow in our faith and see Christ 'formed' in us. Spiritual Formation is the process that enables us to move from knowledge to practice as we seek to live as Christ followers in the spheres of influence in which we find ourselves." Sue also shares an EXTRAordinary story about a student becoming a believer through a vision of Jesus. Sue is fun, inspiring, and insightful. You won't want to miss this interview. 

In addition, Sue refers to influential and beneficial books about spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines by these authors: Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, and Henri Nouwen, and she and Ellen both gush over Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. Ellen also mentions 2 impactful books: Tim Keller's Galatians For You ( and quotes from p. 182) and Andrew DeCort's book Flourishing on the Edge of Faith (and quotes from p. 54). 

 

 

Listen to full episode :

Ellen Bennett

Ellen Bennett lives near San Diego, California. She has been married to Steve for over 30 years. They have two adult children with incredible spouses, Matt married to Elizabeth who have an adorable son, Caleb and another on the way, and Hayley married to Micah. And, she also has an incorrigible, stinky, and beloved “stroodle” (schnauzer/terrier/poodle?) rescue dog named Covie.

Ellen grew up in Memphis, TN and attended UT Knoxville - GO VOLS. She majored in English literature, has a Master’s in Education, and taught secondary English for 9 years at a private Classical Christian school. She also has experience with homeschooling and teaching at a public school. She loves walks, talks, camping, hiking, and doing Bible studies with friends. She relies on “the love God has for us” (1 John 4:16) and…on her husband brewing her coffee every morning

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Interview– Sue Smedley: Saying No to God, Then Changing Your Mind. Part 1.