Spiritual Formation

The first module, Identity, is designed to help students discover their identity in Christ as well as their unique identity (e.g., temperament, spiritual gifts, heritage). Students explore how their identity affects the way in which they live and serve. Here, the student asks, “Who am I? Where do I come from?” “How will my life look different because I am a follower of Christ?” Students write and share a paper on the theological and biblical foundations of identity, with an emphasis on the personal implications of what it means to be “in Christ.” The second module, Community, focuses on who we are together. Students explore the various ways in which God has worked in their individual lives, identifying those relationships and experiences that have been particularly formative. Here the student asks, “How has God authored my life?” “Who are we as the body of Christ?” Community and trust develop as each student shares their Life Story.

In the third module, Integrity, students identify individual areas of struggle and how God fosters and enables change in our lives. Students find encouragement and support in sharing their struggles and failures with a caring group of fellow-travelers, their SF group. They practice spiritual disciplines that will deepen their dependence on God’s Spirit. Here the student asks, “In what areas do I need to grow?” “How can I yield to the Spirit’s transformative work in my life?” “How can we support one another?” In the fourth module, Fidelity, students explore where and how they might serve others in the name of Christ. As each student shares their Life Vision presentation, the group provides encouragement, feedback, and direction. Here, the student asks, “What is my purpose or calling?” “Considering my identity, story, and gifts, what are some potential ministry roles or destinations?” “What steps do I need to take to prepare for these possibilities?”