Introduction to Spirituality: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Faithfulness - Paperback

by Gary Tyra (Author), Jerry Ireland (Editor), Paul Lewis (Editor)

This introduction explores Christian spirituality as a pursuit of the global church today. It encourages students to adopt a lifestyle spirituality, which involves relational intimacy with the triune God.

Gary Tyra is well known for his work in the field of Christian spirituality and has years of experience in the classroom and in the church. In this book, Tyra encourages us to adopt a Pauline lifestyle spirituality, whereby we keep in step with the Holy Spirit so that we might experience an ongoing mentoring relationship with the Son in order to faithfully and fruitfully engage in the mission of the Father. Keeping in step with the spirit unfolds in a "lifestyle spirituality," a collection of convictions, commitments, and customs that constitute the disciple's lifelong journey with the triune God.

This book is part of a new series that reflects the changing face of global Christianity. Series volumes are written by leading Pentecostal/Charismatic scholars who highlight themes of interest to Pentecostal/Charismatic students; however, the books are respectful, appreciative, and inclusive of a variety of church families and traditions. Series editors are Jerry Ireland, Paul W. Lewis, and Frank D. Macchia.

Back Jacket

Foundations for Spirit-Filled Christianity
Jerry Ireland, Paul W. Lewis, and Frank D. Macchia, series editors

This introduction to Christian spirituality encourages students to adopt a lifestyle spirituality, which involves relational intimacy with the triune God.

"Gary Tyra's accessible treatment of spiritual life in, with, and through the real person of Christ available by the Holy Spirit is a welcome addition to recent spiritual formation literature. Biblically grounded and theologically engaged, Introduction to Spirituality is an excellent resource for anyone interested in going deeper in Christian spiritual life."
--Steve L. Porter, Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture, Westmont College; editor, Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care

"Through his lucid and persuasive language, Tyra masterfully engraves in his readers' minds that true spirituality is biblically based, theologically sound, and essentially missional. Enjoying an 'I-Thou' relationship with God brings us to a transformed, God-honoring, and fruit-bearing lifestyle through the leading of the Spirit. This includes being mentored by the risen Lord to become like him before others. I recommend this book to all who desire to live a life pleasing to God."
--Roji Thomas George, South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies, Bangalore, India

"A biblically informed Christian spirituality that is thoroughly trinitarian. By weaving the idea of 'keeping in step with the Spirit' throughout the book, Tyra invites readers to abide in and walk behind Christ in the power of the Spirit. This is what makes his proposal--which requires foundational convictions that produce a set of commitments that will, in the end, bring forth an array of customs of spirituality--theologically real."
--Florian M. P. Simatupang, lead pastor, IES Christ the King; Theology Faculty, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Satyabhakti, Indonesia

Praise for the Foundations for Spirit-Filled Christianity Series

"The church and academy are finally ready for Foundations for Spirit-Filled Christianity, which relays the insights and perspectives of mature Pentecostal and Charismatic theologians and biblical scholars on a broad array of important theological topics, doctrinal loci, and practical realities."
--Amos Yong, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Gary Tyra (DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical and practical theology at Vanguard University of Southern California. An ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, he has served as the senior pastor for three churches over a twenty-seven-year period. Tyra now devotes his time to teaching, writing, and speaking. His books include Pursuing Moral Faithfulness: Ethics and Christian Discipleship and The Holy Spirit in Mission: Prophetic Speech and Action in Christian Witness. He lives in Yorba Linda, California.