ACOM / Study / Units / S8105C Spiritual Formation 5 (Community Transformation)

S8105C Spiritual Formation 5 (Community 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

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

Placement

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 5 continues the restoration process in which we are formed into the image of God through Jesus Christ. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that initiates, designs and implements this process. Our part is to be open and willing to actively 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.

In the previous unit, the emphasis in the curriculum was looking at self in relationship with God: the role of grace, true and false images of God and the role of the Holy Spirit. SF5 directs attention to self with others. It is an exploration of the relational dynamics in Spiritual Formation.

The most important Kingdom resource is a community of people who are fully alive and freely aligned. God’s Spirit draws us together and aligns us in a wonderfully creative team effort with increasing cycles of productivity and joy. It is as we follow Jesus with others that we most effectively participate in God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. This unit explores how spiritual formation takes place over time, with others, in the context of disciplines and practices that open us to God. A privatised approach to transformation that fails to see other people as necessary instruments of God’s grace will limit the work of transformation in our lives.

Learn more about Spiritual Formation units at ACOM

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

  1. Critically examine why participation with others is an essential aspect of spiritual formation.
  2. Critique the contribution of kingdom postures in community transformation.
  3. Analyse, in the light of relevant literature, the way(s) in which community helps shape engagement with spiritual practices.
  4. Integrate community postures and practices in such a way as to enrich service and leadership.
  5. Develop an action-based community practice in a particular ministry context.

 

  1. An Invitation to Formation with Others
  2. Presence: Who We Are on the Journey
  3. Presence: Becoming Active Alongsiders
  4. Presence: Living in Cultures of Grace
  5. Praxis: Living New Narratives
  6. Praxis: Good and Beautiful Kingdom
  7. Praxis: Good and Beautiful Community
  8. Posture: Courage and Consciousness
  9. Posture: Curiosity and Collaboration
  10. Posture: Kingdom Confidence
  1. Personal Reflection (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Trimester 1, Week 6
  2. Field Assignment (40%)
    Word Limit: 2400
    Due: Trimester 2, Week 8
  3. Essay (40%)
    Word Limit: 2400
    Due: Trimester 3, Week 9
  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community. Downers Grove: IVP, 2011.
  • Scandrette, Mark. Practicing the Way of Jesus: Life Together in the Kingdom of Love. Downers Grove: IVP, 2011.

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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