The Formation Way at Nu Church
At Nu Church, spiritual formation is the lifelong process of being shaped into the image of Christ for the sake of others. We describe this journey in three interconnected and simultaneous movements:
Know Christ — What we believe (the Good News, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Church). This is the foundation. Knowing Christ is the starting point and the center around which all formation happens. What we believe about who He is and what He has done is the starting point for true biblical formation.
Experience Christ — How we are formed. This is the personal progression of Curiosity → Imagination → Informed Belief → Transformation through Community. The ongoing process of wrestling with what we have come to know about Jesus until those beliefs begin to shape how we actually live.
Encounter Christ — Where we are formed. In the communal spaces of the church (Sunday Gatherings, Courses, Communities, and Circles) we live out what we believe as true representatives of Jesus, partnering with Him in making all things new.
How Curiosity Fits in Formation
Curiosity is the starting place of the movement: Experience Christ. It is where something about Jesus, His story, or His people first catches our attention and makes us wonder. From here we are invited to imagine what it would mean if that story were true, to grow in understanding, and ultimately to live it out with others in community.
We see the path of Discipleship always leading us to return to curiosity with greater trust and experience. Each time, our faith is deepened, and the more we follow, the more we discover there is always more of Christ to know.
Where to Start
Discipleship isn’t linear. It is a path that circles the person of Jesus, and each loop brings us closer, wider, and higher; like ascending a mountain path that circles the peak. If the goal of the Christian life is to be formed into His image, we want to ask questions centered on Him and What We Believe about Him.
Wherever you are, start with something that stirs you, one question or longing or frustration, and bring it to God, to Scripture, and to a communal space at Nu Church.
Prompts
The best place to begin is with the core of What We Believe about Jesus and His story.
The Good News
The Bible
The Holy Spirit
The Church
As you read, ask:
What stands out?
What makes you curious about Jesus and His way of life?
Is there something here that feels surprising, confusing, hopeful, or hard to believe?
Where do you sense a question rising?
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Bring that question to God, to Scripture, and to someone in community.
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You can also explore Curiosity through the life Jesus produces in His people:
The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Virtues we see in Jesus
The shared life of the Church
Walking With Others
If you are helping someone else in their formation, Curiosity is often the most important place to linger. Do not rush to answers, instead, help them to name honest questions. Sit there with them in wonder and then point them toward Jesus rather than toward a quick resolution. The goal is not to close the question, but to keep the heart open to the One who is the answer.
Where To Go Next
Curiosity is meant to lead somewhere. When a question begins to take root, the next movement within Experience Christ is Imagination. Imagination is the invitation to picture what it would mean if this thing you have been Curious about were true and how it might change your life.
Curiosity is a gift from God that stirs our sense of wonder and helps us seek truth, ultimately drawing us closer to Him. It comes from a humble heart that is open to exploring questions like, “Could God be trusted? Is there more?”
We believe God welcomes our honest questions, doubts, and speculations. To be clear, curiosity is not the same as skepticism or unbelief. Instead, we believe it opens the door to a relationship with Him. Jesus often started with questions: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51), “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15), and “Why are you afraid?” (Mark 4:40). He welcomed those who were curious, doubtful, or searching—and He still does.
CURIOSITY
CURIOSITY
RESOURCES
Jesus is the center and source of life. He is both the One we are being formed into and the example of the life God intended for humanity.
Our curiosity is not meant to chase whatever reinforces a self-indulgent life that seeks affirmation rather than formation. Curiosity is as natural to humanity as breathing. We do not aim to stifle it. We aim it toward the endless wonder of who Christ is and who He wants us to become.