ACOM / Study / Units / S8103C Spiritual Formation 4 (Personal Transformation)

S8103C Spiritual Formation 4 (Personal Transformation)

Spiritual Formation is the process of restoration in which we are formed into the image of God through Jesus Christ.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Year Long 2025

Study Mode

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

Placement

N/A

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

Spiritual Formation is the process of restoration in which we are formed into the image of God through Jesus Christ. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit that initiates, designs and implements this process in our lives. Our part is to be open and willing to participate in that reforming. Spiritual Formation Units are year long in their duration, involving practical and academic activities that cause us to awaken to God’s maturing action within us.

This particular unit explores sustainable models of personal transformation that are based on the life and ministry of Jesus. An essential first step to experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promises is being and becoming a beloved child of God. When we learn that we are graciously accepted in this way, we discover good and beautiful narratives that allow us to be drawn by love, vision and Spirit rather than driven by fear, guilt and shame. God’s Spirit empowers us to accomplish those things we cannot accomplish in our own strength. When we participate with the Spirit to follow Jesus on this journey, we experience a radical integration of our head, heart and hands that transforms how we serve and lead.

ACOM considers Spiritual Formation units to be essential in preparation for Christian ministry, as well as for those who already are well established in ministry, because it’s a lifelong activity. Spiritual Formation units are designed for a variety of ages and stages in life in general. Students engaging with these topics and activities will increase their God-awareness, self-awareness, personal functioning and spiritual maturity for life and ministry.

Learn more about Spiritual Formation units at ACOM

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

  1. Appraise a number of sustainable models of personal transformation that are based on the life of Jesus.
  2. Explain the theological and operational connection between grace and personal transformation.
  3. Evaluate the power of various narratives in establishing identity and shaping relations to God and others.
  4. Analyse approaches to formulating a Christian framework for the distinctive role of the Holy Spirit in the transformation process.
  5. Construct a process by which the principles of personal transformation will impact a specific area of service or leading.

 

  1. An Introduction to Spiritual Formation
  2. Grace: Discovering Who We Are
  3. Grace: Becoming Active Participants
  4. Grace: Living from Acceptance
  5. Story: The Power of Narratives
  6. Story: The Good and Beautiful God
  7. Story: The Good and Beautiful Life
  8. Spirit: The Gift God Gives
  9. Spirit: God’s Empowering Presence
  10. Spirit: Empowered Confidence
  1. Retreat Reflection Paper (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Trimester 1, Week 5
  2. Major Essay (50%)
    Word Limit: 3000
    Due: Trimester 2, Week 7
  3. Formation Review (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Trimester 3, Week 8
  • Hudson, Trevor. The Holy Spirit Here and Now. Nashville: Upper Rooms Books, 2013.
  • Nouwen, Henry. Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World. New York: Crossroad, 2002.
  • Smith, J.B. The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows. Downers Grove: IVP, 2019.

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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