Spiritual Formation

Through the journey of theological education the study of spiritual formation requires intentional engagement. Many times it may be assumed in classes that the information is forming the students and that the information in class is sufficient to teach the students how formation happens. The goal of this guide is to direct the theological student toward the resources and tools to both engage in personal formation and carry Christian formation into future/current ministries in which he or she may be engaged. 

Within spiritual formation there are multiple areas of focus and approaches to be considered. If we are studying the work of spiritual formation we have to consider if we are working toward personal formation, small group spiritual formation, larger church spiritual formation, or a more socially oriented spirituality that includes many actions toward and with others. The typical topic is internal formation of the Christian through introspection and “quiet” devotional work. However, this is a far too narrow view of the work of spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is much more than introspection. How much more and in what ways? That is where the resources of this guide is going to lead you.