"Using Kate's illustration of Michelangelo's statue of David, marble can often be cold, sterile and solid. In contrast, Shaped by the Spirit leads the reader to recognise the Holy Spirit's work as warm, productive and fluid. Some books on the Spirit's work can be academic, theoretical and speculative. Here, Kate touches the soul as she considers what it is to be formed and transformed by the Spirit's work, in often-compartmentalised areas of life. Helpful, reflective and challenging questions are given in Parts 2 and 3. This is a book to be savoured, contemplated and read slowly."
— Revd Richard Coombs, Chair of Belgrave Heights Convention, Melbourne

"Unlike many authors, Kate does not just theorise. She applies sound principles and invites us to follow her example of submitting to Jesus. Courageously, she repeatedly steps off the "expert pedestal" by vulnerably sharing her weaknesses, doubts and failures."
— Dr Omar Djoeandy MBBS, speaker, consultant, author of Redefining Success According to Jesus and form

"Spiritual formation lies at the heart of the Christian worldview, yet often becomes the caboose instead of the engine. In this book, Kate provides a thoughtful framework for understanding the pull of the Spirit towards a spirituality that arises from Scripture, life testing and purposeful development."
— Ted Esler PhD, President, Missio Nexus

"Shaped by the Spirit is a fresh wind blowing into a familiar topic. Forming people into the image of Christ is at the core of the mission of God, and Kate diligently mines Scripture and literature to bring a unique perspective. I was personally challenged and encouraged as I read and reflected. Her questions at the end of each chapter alone are worth the book's price, but there is much more value in these pages. I highly recommend this book for personal formation as well as for those who are seeking to develop others."
— T. J. MacLeslie, author of Designed for Relationship

"In an age of great uncertainty and increasingly manic attempts to keep pace, Shaped by the Spirit speaks to us in the midst of the storm with that powerful "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12 nlt). The beautifully crafted prose invites us to pause and consider the multifaceted ways we are formed, ultimately for God's purposes. This is a well-grounded book on spiritual formation, good for individual reflection but even better for helping groups of people understand one another at a much deeper level. With it we can dive into our inner worlds, discover a Spirit-filled image of God there, and take that forth with ever-increasing Christlikeness into the wider world, confident in our collective vision for blessing the nations."
— Dr Jay Matenga, Executive Director, WEA Mission Commission

"Kate brings a fresh vision of spiritual formation. She weaves together biblical teaching with significant contributions from a broad group of thoughtful scholars and practitioners. Then she consistently illustrates the insights with her own global experiences and those of Jesus' followers worldwide. Kate models the art of listening to people with sincere respect. Discerning the work of the Spirit through those conversations, she shares the insights to expand our understanding of the nature of being formed. Kate has given us a great resource to help us as outward-focused people."
— Douglas McConnell PhD, Provost Emeritus and Senior Professor of Leadership and Intercultural Studies

"Kate invites us to pause and ponder, examining how God shapes us - not as a navel-gazing exercise, but one that helps us to be outward focused as we share God's love with others. Her intertwining of various strands weaves together a Spirit-breathed creation that will challenge and inspire. I pray the Spirit uses her words as he shapes and forms you."
— Amy Boucher Pye, Spiritual Director and author of Transforming Love

A word before 1
Part 1
THE SHAPING PROCESS: BEING
FORMED BY, THROUGH AND FOR
Unformed 9
1 Formed by . . . 11
2 Formed through . . . 17
3 Formed for . . . 25
Part 2
FORMED FROM: MATERIALS GOD USES TO
SHAPE US FOR HIS MISSION IN THE WORLD
Recycled materials 33
4 Formed from . . . family 35
5 Formed from . . . influence 42
6 Formed from . . . pain 48
7 Formed from . . . gift-mix 57
8 Formed from . . . learning 62
9 Formed from . . . culture 69
10 Formed from . . . age 79
11 Formed from . . . gender: women 85
12 Formed from . . . gender: men 96
13 Formed from . . . team 104
14 Formed from . . . those we serve 112Part 3LIFELONG FORMATION:
STRENGTHENING OUR INNER BEING
Formation water wheel 121
15 Formed to . . . trust 125
16 Formed to . . . be open 134
17 Formed to . . . forgive 141
18 Formed to . . . regenerate 148
Final thoughts 154
Saying thanks 156
Notes 158
Bibliography 168