2009 Institutes for Excellence to focus on spiritual formation, starting in Bulgaria

OC’s second 2009 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development took place March 3-6 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event was hosted by OC partner Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute (BETI). Twelve leaders from eight strategic training programs in the region attended the Institute, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Poland and Serbia.

This year’s Institutes are themed “Nurturing Spiritual Formation in the Seminary” and focus on the hearts of students, not simply their head and hands, as part of a holistic approach to student growth. In addition, the Institutes will equip seminary leaders with a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, so that it can be intentionally integrated into the entire program, curriculum and culture of the seminary.

Spiritual formation was the topic most requested by seminary leaders in regard to the 2009 Institute theme, although many partner seminaries already require students to be involved in activities related to spiritual formation, such as taking courses on the topic; participating in chapel services and student prayer meetings; consulting a campus chaplain/mentor; attending a small group; serving in a local church; being responsible to a faculty member for spiritual formation; having an accountability partner; and being involved in the community.

The next Institutes for Excellence will take place in Lusaka, Zambia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Kowloon, Hong Kong/Taipei, Taiwan; and Puebla, Mexico. Click here for the 2009 schedule.

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