Resources
Space to think.
Questions to explore 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.
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
Becoming Like Jesus: An Explication of Transformational Discipleship
A biblical and theological account of discipleship as Spirit-led formation into the likeness of Christ, exploring identity, apprenticeship, and the church’s shared life.
White paper · Sam Osborn
Formed Elsewhere
Findings from a study of adult meaning-making in congregational life, exploring where faith development happens and how churches can support growth toward life in Christ.
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.
Theological Foundations and ResearchTake the conversation into practice.
See how we work and consider where leadership assessment and systems inquiry might help your church.