SF is a one-year (two consecutive semesters), in-person course with a small group (campus-based students) or mentor (extension students).
The mission of SF at DTS is ”helping servant-leaders pursue Christlikeness.” SF is simply the process by which God forms believers into the image of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. At DTS, SF provides a biblical curriculum and relational context – through small group or mentored meetings – to help a highly diverse body of servant-leaders:
- Explore the topics of Identity, Community, Integrity, and Fidelity,
- Experience transformation (growth in Christlikeness), and
- Participate in the Spirit’s transformation of others.
ThM, MACP, MAJS, MAAE, MACE, MACL, MAMW, MAIS, MACS, MACO, MABEL
We recommend that students take SF early in their degree program; SF is a pre-requisite before starting a Ministry Internship.
Students sign up for SF during the Spring semester to begin in the Fall.
Register for SF5100 via the Students portal in the Spring for the upcoming Fall semester. Students participate in a small group (Men, Women, and Couples. Note: Couple’s groups are only offered at the Dallas campus)
Note: Online students who live within an hour from the Campus should enroll in a SF group, not Mentored SF.
Why SF?
Our Mission
The mission of the Spiritual Formation ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary is helping servant-leaders pursue Christlikeness. Our ministry exists to glorify God and make disciples by providing a relational context and biblical curriculum to help servant-leaders:
- Explore the topics of Identity, Community, Integrity, and Fidelity,
- Experience transformation (growth in Christlikeness), and
- Participate in the Spirit’s transformation of others.
Approach
At our Campus sites, Spiritual Formation groups of four to five students gather weekly for two consecutive fall and spring semesters. Our distance students work with a self-selected mentor to complete the same SF curriculum. Through this curriculum, students pray, reflect on biblical truth, examine their hearts, share and respond. As students grow together in Spiritual maturity and Christlike character, the potential for significant relationships and ministry partnerships is established.
Goals & Measures
The Spiritual Formation program is designed to help facilitate students’ growth in four areas:
- Knowing God,
- Knowing self,
- Loving well, and
- Longing for more of God’s transforming work in their lives.
How long is the SF program?
The Spiritual Formation (SF5100) program is one year starting in the fall and finishing in the spring semester. We recommend students begin Spiritual Formation early in their degree program.
Can I start SF in the spring or summer?
Spiritual Formation groups begin in the fall semester ONLY.
What is the time commitment for participating in a group?
Dallas, Houston, & Fort Worth: SF groups meet for 1.5–2 hours each week. Group members spend about 1-2 hours per week in preparation for each group session. In addition, many groups plan additional social gatherings or service projects.
Washington, DC & Atlanta: SF groups on these campuses have a different schedule. Contact the campus coordinator for details.
Will I stay in the same group each semester?
Yes, students continue with the same SF group for the entire year.
When do SF groups meet?
Dallas: SF groups meet on various days and at different times throughout the week. Check the Course Schedule for specifics.
Houston: SF groups typically meet on campus prior to class from 4:30–5:45 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Washington, DC, Atlanta, & Fort Worth: SF groups meet every week around the region.
Dallas Sample syllabus
D.C. Sample syllabus
What is a SF Mentor?
A Spiritual mentor is someone who cares about and helps in the Spiritual growth of another by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. As one further down the road in their Spiritual journey, mentors help others pursue Christlikeness. A Spiritual mentor can help you pay attention to the presence of Christ in your life and respond in a life of abiding faith, hope and love. A Spiritual mentor also helps you foster and nurture a deeper knowing of yourself and the triune God. In contrast to other areas of Christian soul care which deal with problems, behavior or mental health Spiritual mentoring focuses on growth, renewing of the mind and the experience of God. A relationship such as this doesn’t just happen, but must be cultivated by prayer and intentionality.
How do I select a mentor?
Ideally, start with someone in your local church who you already know and with whom you already have a Spiritual friendship. (In addition, your mentor will need to be of the same gender.) Ask yourself, who has taken an interest in talking with you about your Spiritual life and relationship with God? Who has encouraged you in this area? Narrow the list to those who are further along in their journey with Christ. Typically, these persons will be older than you, but this is not always the case. Of the people you have in mind, can you think of a time when each one has shown a genuine love for others, perhaps through sacrifice of time or other resources? In addition, you will be sharing your story and struggles with this individual, so you want to make sure that he or she is trustworthy. When you are ready to approach the person about mentoring, ask him or her to share how they have experienced God’s grace. Ask him or her to share a lesson that God has taught them through their journey. As you listen, recognize that authenticity, vulnerability, and a willingness to share out of weakness are foundational for Spiritual growth in community. Finally, you will want to share with them the SF5110 Mentor Expectations to see if they are willing to make the commitment to your Spiritual formation.
General Requirements
- Same gender
- Elder in the faith
- Experienced in ministry
If Possible . . .
- Theologically trained
- Formal leadership role in your local church
What is the time commitment for students and mentors?
Students meet with their SF Mentors for one hour most weeks of the semester, with holidays and student breaks off. Students spend approximately one hour per week preparing for their discussions with their mentor. Students also actively participate in a relational biblical community (community group, Sunday school class, discipleship group, etc.) throughout both semesters of this course. For more details, see the Expectations document in Important Links.
Does the SF mentor complete the course assignments?
The SF Mentor is not required to complete the course assignments. Their primary role is to meet with the student and help them reflect on and interact with the curriculum. (However, they may participate in as much as their time allows.) They do complete a final assessment on the student’s participation at the end of the course.
Sample syllabus
Church-Residency SF (SF5105): Exclusively for church-residency programs where students complete SF in a one-year (two consecutive fall/spring semesters), in-person small group with fellow resident students. (These churches must have an existing partnership with DTS.)
