Spiritual Formation and the Local Congregation

I just finished Dallas Willard's book Renovation of the Heart this morning.  In one of the closing chapters entitled, "Spiritual Formation in the Local Congregation," Willard makes the case that spiritual formation into the likeness of Christ should be the primary goal of what local congregations do.  Consider the following quote:

"...all of the other details of church activities will matter little, one way or the other, so long as all is organized around God's plan for spiritual formation in the local congregation, as given in Matthew 28:18-20." 

That's quite a statement to make.  I know that if you haven't read the book it's hard to totally understand what he means by spiritual formation, but let's assume Willard is right and think through the implications a little bit as I give you a little more understanding of what he means.

"I have been given say over everything in heaven and earth.  As you go throughout the world, make apprentices to me from all kinds of people, immerse them in Trinitarian reality, and teach them to do everything I have commanded you.  Look, I'm with you every moment, until the work is done"  (Matthew 28:18-20, PAR).

Willard breaks down Jesus' Great Commission here into three stages:

1) Making disciples - local congregations are to consist of those who are looking to Jesus as savior and teacher, so even though Willard does not put a big emphasis on outreach, there has to be some of it in one form or another to continue inviting people to become disciples. Willard points out that the New Testament does not recognize a category of Christians that are not apprentices.  Very interesting considering the fact that many who would categorize themselves as Christians today are clearly not apprenticing themselves to Jesus.  

2) Immersing the apprentices at all levels of growth in the Trinitarian presence - This is where we encounter the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the transforming and teaching God whose presence is imperative in spiritual formation of the church, otherwise the goal is impossible. 

In discussing this second stage, Willard makes a great point in regards to that silly question we often ask, "How did the service go?"  He reminds us that God is the primary agent in the gathering and that only he really knows how the service went.  It is not based on a perfect order of worship, great worship band performance or a well-delivered, impeccable sermon.  We cannot only hope for it to go "well" if those leading the gathering are depending on the One who said he would be with us every moment, trusting that He will do His work in our midst as we gather in His name.

3)  Transforming disciples inwardly, in such a way that doing the words and deeds of Christ is not the focus but is the natural outcome or side effect - This is where we intend and arrange for the inner transformation of every element of the disciples' being (will, thoughts, feelings, body, social dimension, soul).  This is where intentional human action interacts with the work of God in our lives to grow into Christlikeness to the point that we naturally do what Jesus commanded.  Engaging in spiritual disciplines like fasting, lectio divina, silence and solitude, etc. is part of the means to this end. 

I think that Willard's perspective on what local congregations should be about (spiritual formation according to Matthew 28:19-20) is valid.  Obviously we need more than just our weekly worship services to accomplish this vision, but if that's a starting point to getting the congregation more serious about apprenticeship, how could we emphasize this Matthew 28 perspective in our worship gatherings?