Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun Summary

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook offers a structured guide to 62 spiritual practices grouped into seven themes: worship, self-surrender, community, Scripture engagement, Christ-like love, prayer, and openness to God. Each discipline includes actionable steps, reflective questions, and biblical references to help readers cultivate deeper intimacy with God and transform their spiritual lives through intentional habits.

This book is ideal for Christians seeking to deepen their faith, pastors guiding congregations, or small groups exploring structured spiritual growth. It’s particularly valuable for those overwhelmed by traditional disciplines, as it provides diverse, accessible practices like visio divina (sacred seeing) and “unplugging” from distractions.

Yes. Calhoun balances theological depth with practicality, offering timeless tools for spiritual renewal. Readers praise its clear framework for tailoring disciplines to personal needs, making it a standout resource for both beginners and seasoned believers.

The book emphasizes:

• Desire and discipline: Aligning personal longings with God’s transformative work.
• Holistic practices: From classical prayer/journaling to modern “accountability partnerships”.
• Seven thematic groupings: Structuring disciplines around worship, community, and Scripture.

Calhoun describes disciplines as “practices that open us to God’s presence,” combining intentional habits with divine grace. Examples include examen (reflective prayer), Sabbath-keeping, and incarnational hospitality—each designed to reshape habits and priorities.

• On hurry: “The faster we go, the less we become”.
• On trust: “Keep company with Jesus… and learn to live freely”.
  These highlight the book’s focus on slowing down and relying on God’s transformative work.

Unlike theoretical guides, Calhoun prioritizes actionable steps over abstract concepts. It’s broader than Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, covering 62 practices with modern adaptations like digital detox.

Calhoun holds an M.A. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has 40+ years in ministry, including pastoral roles and co-leading Redeemer Community Church. Her expertise in spiritual formation informs the book’s practical yet depth-driven approach.

The book suggests:

1. Start small: Choose one discipline (e.g., gratitude journaling).
2. Reflect regularly: Use included questions to track growth.
3. Adapt practices: Modify disciplines like “rest” to fit modern lifestyles.

Some may find 62 disciplines overwhelming, though Calhoun encourages selective adoption. A minor critique is the limited exploration of cultural contexts, but the book’s flexibility compensates for this.

Its emphasis on “unplugging” and mindfulness resonates in our distracted age. The disciplines address modern struggles like burnout while rooting solutions in ancient Christian wisdom.

The revised 2015 edition spans 352 pages, with a 7”x9.9” workbook-style layout ideal for note-taking. It’s part of InterVarsity Press’s Transforming Resources series, designed for group or individual study.

For further reading, explore:

• Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline (classic disciplines).
• Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines (theological foundation).
  Both complement Calhoun’s practical approach with deeper doctrinal insights.