ACOM / Study / Units / S5101C Spiritual Formation

S5101C Spiritual Formation

This unit enables students to learn more about Christian spiritual formation as the process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others.
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Unit Overview

Qualification

Diploma

Unit Availability

Year Long 2025

Study Mode

Online Facilitation, In Person Facilitation (NSW), In Person Facilitation (VIC), In Person Facilitation (QLD), In Person Facilitation (WA)

Placement

N/A

Tuition

Diploma Spiritual Formation Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Facilitation Type Dates & Times Location
Live-in Three Day Retreat (NSW) Monday 3 March – Wednesday 5 March The Tops Conference Centre, NSW
Live-in Three Day Retreat (VIC) Wednesday 5 March – Friday 7 March Eva Burrows College, VIC
Live-in Three Day Retreat (QLD) Monday 10 March – Wednesday 12 March Breakfree Alexandra Headland, QLD
Live-in Three Day Retreat (QLD) TBC Townsville, QLD
Live-in Three Day Retreat (WA) Wednesday 5 March – Friday 7 March New Norcia, WA
Remote SF Group
(students must discuss this option with their SEM prior to enrolling)		 Introduction: Wednesday 19 February, 7pm – 9pm (AEDT) Online

Unit Details

Christianity is about transformed lives, not just assent to Christian beliefs. This unit enables students to learn more about Christian spiritual formation as the process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others. This process involves growing in self-awareness and gaining greater familiarity with the classical spiritual disciplines. The overall goal of this unit is to provide a foundational understanding of Christian spiritual formation that will assist the students not only in their personal Christian walk, but act as a foundation for development as a Christian leader with postures and practices that will sustain and enrich their longevity in ministry.

Learn more about Spiritual Formation units at ACOM

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Outline a general knowledge of self-awareness as it applies to their own personal maturity exercised in a pastoral context.
  2. Interpret theologically their own spiritual developmental journey and its significance for their (actual or potential) pastoral role.
  3. Explore and analyse the outcomes of key spiritual disciplines within a pastoral vocation.
  4. Establish principles of accountability and transparency in the exercise of spiritual self-care.
  5. Develop principles and practices for the promotion of spiritual growth in others.
  1. Invitation to a journey
  2. Life story: developing your spiritual autobiography
  3. Developing a biblical theology of spiritual formation
  4. Introduction to identity: personality and preference
  5. Introduction to identity: calling and vocation
  6. The classical Christian pilgrimage: from ‘awakening’ to ‘unity’
  7. Introduction to the spiritual disciplines
  8. The nature and inner dynamics of the spiritual disciplines
  9. For the sake of others
  10. Spiritual leadership
  1. Spiritual Autobiography (30%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Trimester 1, Week 8
  2. Researching a Spiritual Discipline (30%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Trimester 2, Week 10
  3. Personal Reflection (40%)
    Word Limit: 1600
    Due: Trimester 3, Week 10
  • Mulholland Jr, M. Robert. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Expanded by Ruth Haley Barton. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2016.

Unit Details

Key Dates

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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