ACOM / Study / Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation

At ACOM we invest in the development of the whole person. You are more than what you know or can do.

To lead spiritual transformation, leaders must first be transformed themselves. We don’t just run classes on formation; we help each student explore their own personal journey of self-awareness, social development, spiritual understanding and faith surrender.

This process is a transformational journey - going deep to be released for personal mission. To engage in spiritual formation is to commit to the journey of becoming deeply faithful, spiritually minded, self-aware and resilient, connecting our heads, hearts and hands in transforming ourselves and our world.

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

- ROMANS 12 : 2 (NLT)

Formation groups focus on spiritual formation, character formation and ministry formation. These are groups of ACOM students led by a trained ACOM facilitator known as a Formation Director. At the beginning of each academic year, a Spiritual Formation retreat is held in each state to launch the formation groups. In this retreat a secure and confidential covenant of trust is agreed upon which builds group life and aids in life story sharing together. Students consistently report that the retreat and the ongoing process is a most wonderful experience. The group continues to meet regularly through the year and the formation director nurtures the life of the group. Following the retreat, the groups meet for a further 30 hours spread over the year to October, either in person or online. These hours form part of the required hours for Spiritual Formation units and therefore all scheduled meetings are mandatory.

Spiritual Mentoring is a vital component in establishing and maintaining health for long term ministry. It is an essential discipline that enhances spiritual maturity, self-care and wisdom making. Each student will select a personal mentor, and the mentor and student will meet regularly to set and achieve specific growth goals. Each student meets with his or her mentor for a minimum of 10 hours throughout the year. Students are encouraged not to choose a mentor who is a family member, peer or supervisor.

Both the group work and mentoring relationship are undergirded with 10 sessions of online curriculum on formation topics which are completed during the year. A forum is also established which provides broad exposure to all formation students in the country. The curriculum covers themes such as personal life story, self-awareness, and emotional, vocational, relational and spiritual maturity.

Spiritual Formation

Be Kingdom Ready with ACOM