Formation Groups
Students meet weekly in a small group led by a faculty member, generally during the 12:00 hour on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or during other times throughout the week. These Formation Groups are an important component of our students' personal, spiritual, and ministry development. As a place for discussion, prayer, and mentoring, Formation Groups complement more formal education and offer a warm place for mutual encouragement and fellowship in the context of ministry and theological education. Formation Groups are guided by three main objectives:
To Grow Together in Biblical Wisdom
. . . by bringing Scripture, theology, and history to bear on relevant personal, ministry, cultural, and sociopolitical issues
To Grow Together in the Grace of God
. . . by engaging in and understanding primary means of grace (Word, Prayer, Worship), as well as other Christian disciplines
To Grow Together in Relationships and Relational Skills
. . . by engaging in the building of relationships, mutual ministry, and service to others; providing encouragement and accountability with those who share the unique challenges of ministry and theological education
Participation in Formation Groups is required for MDiv students as a part of the candidacy process (see MDiv Candidacy). Other master's program students are encouraged to attend; and participation in two semesters of Formation Group can serve to fulfill one field education requirement in those programs.