 A central theme of his teaching and books is spiritual formation, the transforming of human character through authentic experiences with God.Ortberg argues that the desire for comfort and security often stands in the way of an authentic relationship with God when people place too high a value on being secure and comfortable they may be reluctant to make the sacrifices God asks of them.Ortberg has warned against the societal pressures which tell people that bigger is always better, saying "I think for all of us, whatever your ministry or job, bigness will never satisfy the call."