<p>This interpretive phenomenological analysis research study articulates the experiences of 3 Christians who manifest secure attachment to God characteristics. Human infant attachment theory and subsequent attachment to God conceptualizations were the perspectives used in order to explore the phenomenon. Analysis of the data led to 4 emergent themes focused on the psychological implications of having a secure attachment to God: View of God as Kindhearted, View of Self Transformed by God, Theological Exploration without Fear, and Need for Closeness When Suffering. Findings indicated that participants experienced God as a loving parent who fully accepted an authentic self. Across time, participants were able to deconstruct theological concepts incongruent to life experiences and explore new theological ideas and practices without anxiety of experiencing negative responses from God. Participants? need for closeness to God when experiencing painful events, in particular when feeling powerless to fix the circumstances, was described as needing authentic conversation with God. These findings suggest that secure attachment to God may have psychological benefit and encourages clinicians to validate and explore attachment to God dynamics with clients who indicate having a relationship with God.

<p> One of the fundamental expectations in the New Testament is that every Christian will become more and more like Jesus Christ. This transformation is characterized by a growing capacity to love as the believer takes on the character of Christ. This change process is life-long, is referred to as progressive sanctification, and is the essence of discipleship. However, research indicates that many believers living in North America are not experiencing a high degree of personal transformation into the image of Christ. Despite trying harder and utilizing the plethora of good discipleship material that is available, change for many believers is largely unrealized. This is a problem that some refer to as the &ldquo;sanctification gap.&rdquo; </p><p> This project addresses the sanctification gap by identifying unresolved emotional pain as a barrier to Christ-like transformation. Specific to this project is a six-week curriculum for discipleship that addresses both the spiritual and emotional aspects essential for spiritual growth. Emotion is powerful and influences thought and behavior. Unresolved emotional pain often promotes distorted thoughts and feelings of shame and fear that in turn influence sinful behavior as a means to cope with or numb the pain. Sadly, this sinful behavior hinders the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and consequently creates the sanctification gap. Therefore, to understand how emotion and thought work together to influence behavior will assist the believer in his or her discipleship to Jesus. </p><p> The curriculum for this project was pilot-tested with a group of male and female adult participants living in Orange County, California. The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Personal Assessment by Peter Scazzero and Warren Bird was administered before and after this six-week program and revealed that participants experienced discernible growth in the areas of spiritual and emotional maturity that helped them bridge the sanctification gap.</p>