Taking Steps Toward God: Exploring Spiritual Formation, Paperback

Salvation is the first step in a person's spiritual journey, but it is just that, the first step. A person must not stop there. It is the intent of God to see all His children grow into spiritual maturity. The process of moving from spiritual infancy to maturity occurs by taking one step after another in the direction of God. This journey toward maturity is what the author means by the term "spiritual formation." It is important for Christians to have a guide to help them navigate the path leading to maturity. Dr. Hayes clears a path for spiritual sojourners to travel and provides assistance to those who are willing to take the journey. Not everyone is at the same place in this expedition. Some people who read this book will be at the very beginning of the journey. Some will be a little way down the path. Not everything in this book will be new to the more mature Christian, but they will make new discoveries if they pay attention to their guide. Jesus promised Christians can live in spiritual abundance. This can be achieved if the believer will put one foot in front of the other. Taking Steps Toward God will help readers to walk in the right direction.

Clancy P. Hayes currently is a professor at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie, Texas and serves as the department chair of the Practical Theology department. Spiritual formation has played a pivotal role in Dr. Hayes' life. He accepted Christ during Sunday school. His first professional position was as a Bible teacher in a Christian school. After serving as a pastor, on both coasts, he worked in the national offices of his fellowship developing curriculum, and later, as the national training coordinator for the fellowship's Christian education department. He currently teaches spiritual formation courses at SAGU. Hayes has written hundreds of articles, books, and curriculum pieces designed to assist people in their spiritual journey. Hayes holds a M.A., M. Div. and a D. Min.