The Virtuous Cycle of Spiritual Formation
In this month’s reflection, I’m excited to share a teaser from my upcoming book Friendship: Recovering the Soul of God’s Mission. This excerpt explores “The Virtuous Cycle of Spiritual Formation,” a framework for cultivating spiritually vibrant leadership communities rooted in the love and mission of Jesus. I adapted this framework from the work of Bruno Dyck and Kenman Wong, respected scholars whose work explores the intersection of business, ethics, and spirituality, particularly in organizational contexts. (“Corporate Spiritual Disciplines and the Quest for Organizational Virtue,” Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion 7, no. 1 (2010), p. 14).
In God’s mission, genuine Christlike friendship is the key relational dynamic that sparks vibrant leadership teams dedicated to achieving Direction, Alignment, and Commitment in their leadership. At the core of this model are three transformative offers of friendship—reconciliation, welcome, and wholeness—that shape our identity and relationships as the living image of our Triune God. Drawing from interpersonal neurobiology and spiritual formation practices, the Cycle highlights how storytelling, feedback, and shared vulnerability build the foundation of friendship in missional leadership community.
The Cycle unfolds in four quadrants:
- Confession invites deep listening and honest reflection on structural and relational deficiencies.
- Worship reorients the community around the Person of Jesus, restoring our vocation to bear God’s image.
- Guidance fosters discernment through prayer, rest, and wise counsel, keeping the community open to God’s leading.
- Celebration affirms God’s work among us, reminding us that our mission is a joyful participation in his kingdom.
This rhythm of listening and responding cultivates authentic learning and love in action. It integrates personal relationships with organizational systems, forming a holistic approach to spiritual transformation. The Virtuous Cycle helps communities embody the way of Jesus in everyday life.
I am eagerly looking forward to sharing more with you regarding the Virtuous Cycle framework and how it connects to the soul of God’s mission in my upcoming book. Stay tuned for updates and release details!
