The Being Formed Podcast

LifePoint Resources

Relational community and conversations focused on Christian Spiritual Formation, Soul Care, Spiritual Direction, and life with God.

  1. FEB 4

    45. When God Seems Distant (with Kyle Strobel)

    In this episode, Adam Ormord sits down with Kyle Strobel for a spacious and deeply pastoral conversation about seasons of spiritual dryness and the steady work of God when it feels like we've been abandoned. Kyle is the coauthor, along with John Coe, of the newly released book When God Seems Distant. Together, they explore a reality many Christians experience but rarely feel permission to name: what happens when prayer feels empty, spiritual disciplines stop “working,” and God seems strangely distant. Rather than offering techniques to fix or push through these seasons, this conversation invites listeners to consider a surprising possibility, that spiritual dryness is not a failure of faith, but often a deeper work of formation. In this episode, we explore: Why many Christians are unprepared for seasons of dryness and desolation How “trying harder” can actually get in the way of genuine transformation What God may be doing when effort, willpower, and habit modification fall short The concept of spiritual development and why later seasons of faith often feel confusing and disorienting How Scripture and the Christian tradition speak honestly about God’s intentions for our faith formation Kyle closes the episode with a prayer for those currently walking through a season when God feels distant. If you find yourself in a desert season in your spiritual life, this episode is an invitation not to fix yourself or rush to the other side, but to trust that God is present and at work even in the desolate places. If this conversation is hitting close to home for you, please consider purchasing Kyle Strobel's and John Coe's brand new book, "When God Feels Distant," on Amazon. Also, reach out to one of the Spiritual Directors at LifePoint Resources. We are here to help you navigate all the seasons of your life, including desert seasons, with God. About Kyle Strobel Kyle Strobel is a theologian, author, and professor (Talbot School of Theology, Biola University) who has spent decades teaching and writing about Christian spiritual formation and life with God. His work bridges deep theological reflection with the lived experience of following Christ over the long haul. About Adam Ormord Adam Ormord is a spiritual director, retreat leader, and the president of LifePoint Resources. He hosts The Being Formed Podcast, a space for deep conversations about Christian spiritual formation, soul care, spiritual direction, and life with God. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

    1h 10m
  2. JAN 7

    43. Life With God (with Debbie Swindoll)

    What if discipleship was less about learning more information about God and more about learning how to live with God? In this episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord sits down with Debbie Swindoll — founder of Grafted Life Ministries and the Christ-Centered Spiritual Directors Association (CSDA). Together, they explore the difference between information-based discipleship and true spiritual formation that leads to transformation into Christlikeness. Debbie shares her heart for the church, her concerns about the current state of discipleship, and her hope for a more relational, Spirit-led approach to formation. The conversation weaves together theology, lived experience, and pastoral wisdom, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journey of life with God. They also celebrate CSDA’s 15-year journey — a global community of over 1,000 spiritual directors committed to Christ-centered spiritual direction, shared theological grounding, and ethical practice through a common code of conduct. This episode is a gentle yet clarifying invitation: to slow down, to notice God’s presence, and to allow transformation to emerge from relationship rather than effort. In This Episode, We Explore The difference between knowing about God and living life with God Why many discipleship models struggle to produce lasting transformation How spiritual formation offers a more faithful and sustainable path Debbie’s group study, Life With God, and how churches are using it The vision and impact of the Christ-Centered Spiritual Directors Association (CSDA) Why theological grounding and community matter deeply for spiritual directors Where Debbie finds hope for the future of the church The practices that continue to form Debbie’s own life with God Learn More Grafted Life Ministries: https://www.graftedlife.org Christ-Centered Spiritual Directors Association (CSDA): https://www.graftedlife.org/csda/home/ Life With God study by Debbie Swindoll (available via Grafted Life) Closing Reflection This conversation invites us to reconsider what we mean by discipleship — not as mastery of content, but as apprentices participating in a shared life with God. May it encourage you to listen more deeply, trust the slow work of the Spirit, and remain open to the ongoing formation happening in you. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

    1 hr
  3. 11/21/2025

    40. The Journey of Christmas Love (with Niecy LoCricchio) plus a bonus interview with Lynn Biskner

    In this special Advent episode of The Being Formed Podcast, Adam Ormord sits down with two fellow spiritual directors — Niecy LoCricchio and Lynn Biskner — to explore how we can enter this Advent season with greater attentiveness, creativity, and openness to God’s presence. Conversation with Niecy LoCricchio Adam first welcomes author and spiritual director, Niecy LoCricchio, whose new book—The Journey of Christmas Love: A Coloring Nativity Adventure and Advent Calendar for Families—invites children and adults alike into a creative, contemplative journey through the story of Jesus’ birth. CLICK HERE to purchase The Journey of Christmas Love on Amazon. Bonus Conversation with Lynn Biskner (plus FREE Resource) Adam and Lynn Biskner (Spiritual Direction Coordinator and Volunteer Writer for LifePoint Resources) reflect on what it means to wait with hopeful anticipation during Advent and how this season can be a gentle invitation to slow down and listen more deeply. The subject of our conversation is the FREE Advent Retreat, written by Lynn Biskner, called “Advent: The Dawn of New Creation.” CLICK HERE to download LifePoint's FREE Advent Retreat. Connect With Us Subscribe to The Being Formed Podcast wherever you listen. Learn more about LifePoint Resources and opportunities for soul care. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

    50 min
  4. 11/05/2025

    39. Landscapes of the Soul (with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw)

    Adam Ormord (Podcast Host, Co-founder of LifePoint Resources) invites Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw to the Being Formed Podcast to discuss their latest book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. Cyd Holsclaw & Geoff Holsclaw, PhD, are coauthors of Does God Really Like Me? and codirectors of the doctor of ministry in spiritual formation and relational neuroscience at Western Theological Seminary. They are the cofounders of the Center for Embodied Faith and cohosts of the Attaching to God podcast. Cyd is a coach, pastor, and spiritual director, integrating embodied neuroscience and spiritual practices. Dr. Geoff Holsclaw is a pastor and a visiting professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary. What We Cover The intersection of attachment theory, neuroscience, and spiritual formation — how our relational wiring (to God, self, others) shows up in our faith life. Their new book Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection (2025) — key themes: the four “landscapes” (jungle, desert, war zone, pasture) as metaphors for how we live spiritually and relationally How to discern where we are (habits, patterns, unconscious strategies) and how to move toward secure attachment with God. Listener Application Pause and ask: Where do I feel emotionally/spiritually – in a pasture, jungle, desert or war zone? Reflect: What survival strategy (anxious, avoidant, fearful) is at work in me? Consider: How might God be inviting a new “terrain” of secure attachment — what embodied practice (breathing, contemplative silence, relational prayer) might help shift me? Read the Holsclaws’ book and explore their podcast for deeper integration. Resources & Links Book: Landscapes of the Soul - Amazon Website / Center: The Center for Embodied Faith (Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw) — Center for Embodied Faith Podcast: Attaching to God: Neuroscience‑informed Spiritual Formation — https://www.embodiedfaith.life/podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

    56 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

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Relational community and conversations focused on Christian Spiritual Formation, Soul Care, Spiritual Direction, and life with God.

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