ACOM / Study / Units / S8104C Spiritual Preparation for Intercultural Ministry

S8104C Spiritual Preparation for Intercultural Ministry

This unit is designed to enhance the personal and spiritual formation of students in preparation for intercultural ministry.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Year Long 2025

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Unit Details

Ministry in another culture can be very stretching. Whether we are serving in the next suburb in our hometown or on the other side of the world, intercultural ministry brings a unique set of challenges. This ACOM Spiritual Formation unit examines how we can be as prepared as possible for those challenges before us.

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

  1. Describe the central place of spiritual formation to the Christian life.
  2. Develop a coherent theological understanding on why participating in the life and mission of God is crucial to spiritual well-being.
  3. Critically assess the importance of spiritual health and personal spiritual practices.
  4. Substantiate a case for the positive impact of personal spirituality on mission effectiveness.
  5. Formulate strategies for developing spiritual well-being in an intercultural context.

 

  1. Spirituality as a call to radical discipleship and transformation
  2. Consideration of key spiritual disciplines
  3. The practice of rest and long-term soul-care
  4. Blockages to spiritual development
  5. Personal spiritual inventory
  6. Expressions of spirituality in an intercultural context
  7. Practicing worship, abundance and gratitude in the midst of cultural loss and grief
  8. Potential hurdles in intercultural ministry
  1. Spiritual Reflection (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Trimester 1, Week 8
  2. Major Essay (50%)
    Word Limit: 3000
    Due: Trimester 3, Week 1
  3. Intercultural Reflection (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Trimester 3, Week 10
  • Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2009.
  • Mulholland, M. Robert. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Expanded Edition. Downers Grove: IVP, 2016.
  • Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows. Downers Grove: IVP, 2009.

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

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

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM has been a transformational and empowering experience for me. The flexibility has allowed me to pursue my studies at my own pace without compromising ministry work. The trimester system makes it achievable to complete units at a pace that suits my schedule, while the practical ministry focus ensures what I learn is applicable to my day to day ministry. As a Youth Pastor, ACOM has been a supportive and accessible environment, empowering me to grow academically and spiritually while serving in my church context.
Grace Cook – Master of Leadership

Student Stories

Studying at ACOM has been perfect for me. The flexibility and accessibility of the study has worked super well alongside ministry work. It has allowed me to balance my commitments with "on the job ministry", whilst being further equipped through my studies online.
JP Schokman – Bachelor of Theology

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