Centre for Spiritual Formation centre for spiritual formation (CSF)
(a non-residential formation experience) Spiritual Formation as we understand it Spiritual Formation is first and foremost, a process by which the Holy Spirit is actively forming believers' lives in Christ for the expressed purpose that increasingly they might individually and corporately live to the glory of God as revealed in scripture. The purpose of the Centre for Spiritual Formation is to cultivate, within the participant's life, a deepening desire to grow in Christ and to facilitate the integration of individual's inner spiritual experience with outward, compassionate expression. The Carey Distinctive Carey Theological College offers a distinctive emphasis on: 1) a Trinitarian understanding of God; 2) the centrality and authority of scripture; and 3) a commitment to understanding conversion as new birth and as an experience central to Christian spirituality. Genuine spiritual growth is born out of and is an expression of that conversion. By encouraging believers to pursue the meaning and significance of their own conversion experience, their individual freedom of conscience is affirmed as they grow toward a deeper relationship in and with Christ. Spiritual Formation seeks to address the ongoing conversion process that takes place in the believer's life while being transformed into the image of Christ. The Centre for Spiritual Formation stresses the importance of the priesthood of believers not only as a foundational theological principle, but also as the context in which spiritual transformation properly takes place. This tenet, companioned with freedom of conscience, encourages both a personal and a corporate responsibility in matters of spiritual transformation, the honoring of tradition and discernment in mission and service. Such an emphasis strengthens inward spiritual renewal while nurturing giftedness for ministry both in the church and in the world at large. Program Concept This program is designed to assist the individual in realizing his or her own unique potential and approach to the devotional life. Spiritual formation takes place not only in the context of solitude, but also in the context of community. Thus, the Centre will be experienced both as a program of independent study and personal discipline and as an experience of community interaction and accountability. Program Overview To facilitate the participant's development of a comprehensive and holistic devotional life, the program utilizes a variety of different educational methods and environments. Each two-year program begins with an eight-day intensive. This is a concentrated period of study, prayer, solitude and discussion. After the first intensive, participants will complete a curriculum of reading and reflection and meet with other participants in spiritual companionship groups, returning for a second eight-day intensive one year later. Eight-Day Intensive Summary
Following the first Eight-Day Intensive, the participant enters a one-year period of guided study and development that includes spiritual companionship, and personal study. The primary focus is the participant's personal spiritual development in the context of his or her own life and ministry. Following the second intensive, the participant continues to meet with other participants for spiritual companionship; develops their spiritual practices and awareness of God under the guidance of a spiritual director; and plans and fulfills a ministry engagement of their own design, in which they share with others something they have been learning through their experience in the program. Application The Centre for Spiritual Formation is open to all who desire a deepening of their relationship with God through Jesus Christ and through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Application can be made to Carey Theological College. This program is open to people of all Christian denominations. The program normally requires a baccalaureate degree.
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