Introduction

Twenty years ago, few if any of the major seminaries in our country had significant emphasis on spiritual formation for those persons who were being trained to give leadership to congregations. One would be hard pressed to find a course, let alone an expanded curriculum on the subject. As seminaries began to take seriously the feedback from local congregations, it became clear that faithfulness in biblical interpretation, skill in sermon preparation, and acumen in church administration were not enough to guarantee transformative leadership.

The movers and shakers in our seminaries began to grasp what persons in congregational life had long understood. The most decisive factor in the health and welfare of a faith community is the character development of its clergy and laity. Although the gifts and skills of the leaders and members may build up the church; their lack of character will tear down the church. Further, they learned that spiritual formation has the greatest impact on spiritual growth and character development. What is needed, more than any thing else, are leaders who can provide transformative leadership for the church by modeling and teaching spiritual formation. It is not surprising that now spiritual formation is a strong emphasis in the major seminaries and schools of religion in our country and around the world.

The seminar outline available below is aimed at helping leaders and members in the church appreciate how God uses spiritual formation to shape our hearts and transform our lives. The four part tutorial can be presented in a two or three day event or in a four week colloquium. The subject matter is flexible and can be adapted to the unique needs of your local church.

View/Download a PDF of the Seminar