Resources
Space to think.
Questions to carry together.
Practical reading for church leaders considering the relationship between Christian formation, leadership, and the church’s shared life.
For church leaders
Articles & discussion guides.
Foundations · 7Mile
What Is a Discipleship Framework?
Connect theological purpose with leaders, relationships, practices, systems, and the ordinary lives of your people.
Leadership discussion · 7Mile
Five Questions for Your Discipleship Framework
A starting point for a team conversation about what your church needs to understand before choosing what to change.
Original writing · Sam Osborn
White papers.
Extended explorations of discipleship, Christian formation, and church leadership, bringing theological reflection and contemporary research into conversation with the life of the church.
White paper · Sam Osborn
Mapping Theosis
A description of Christ-centered meaning-making across adult development, exploring how Christians relate to belief, authority, community, and growth in faith.
White paper · Sam Osborn
Formational Hearing
Explore Scripture reading and sermon listening as practices of discipleship, cultivating stillness, receptive attention, and openness to being transformed by God’s Word.
White paper · Sam Osborn
In Silence and Truth
A discussion of contemplative prayer in Christian tradition, exploring its biblical and theological foundations, historical practice, and place in a life of communion with God.
For a deeper look
Explore the foundations.
The approach brings Christian theology into conversation with adult development, leadership practice, and systems thinking. Each contributes a different kind of insight.
Read the research summary, understand the boundaries of the evidence, and explore selected sources. These resources support thoughtful inquiry; they do not score a church or substitute for understanding its particular context.
Research & TheologyTake the conversation into practice.
See how we work and consider where leadership assessment and systems inquiry might help your church.