
A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham
About this episode
It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assume that there is no right or wrong way to do spiritual formation. This often leads evangelical to adopt an eclectic approach to personal growth in Christ. Many Christians in conservative Protestant churches end up adopting Catholic and Orthodox approaches as being more fulsome and effective. But what if there is a Reformed approach to spiritual formation that is rich, deep, historic, and more biblical than the alternatives? That’s what Kevin explores with Matthew Bingham (associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary) as they dig into Matthew’s fantastic new book A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation (Crossway).
Chapters:
0:00 Sponsors & Intro
3:27 Tell Us About Yourself
8:16 Spiritual Formation
14:18 A Heart Aflame for God
21:15 A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
26:53 Sponsor Break
29:44 Biblical Centrality
40:40 The Reformed Triangle of Spiritual Formation
47:24 Quick Takes
1:06:41 Final Thoughts
1:12:14 Until Next Time…
Books & Everything:
ESV New Testament, Share the Good News® Edition
WTS | MA in Theological Studies
Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
Get every episode summarized
Each time Life and Books and Everything publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Life and Books and Everything

The Best of Times and the Worst of Times with Justin Taylor and Collin Hansen
Life and Books and Everything

An Invitation to the 2026 Coram Deo Pastors Conference
Life and Books and Everything

Sense, Sensibility, and Adam Smith with Jan Van Vliet
Life and Books and Everything

The Making of the American Mind with Matthew Spalding
Life and Books and Everything