In a stewardship context, formation is the lifelong process of "conversion of the heart" and "education of the mind" that enables an individual to live out their role as a manager, rather than an owner, of God's gifts.

In the Catholic Church, the first movement of faith formation is not “doing more,” but receiving what is already true: God is good, and God’s work is good. Creation is not an accident or an afterthought; it flows from God’s wisdom and love, and it shares in His goodness. The Church teaches that God created “not” because He needed anything, but to communicate His goodness—and that creation is a gift entrusted to humanity.