Stimulating discussions on spiritual formation highlight the Latin America Institute

OC’s third 2009 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development took place April 20-24 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The event was hosted by OC partner FIET Theological Institute (FIET). Twenty-five leaders from 17 strategic training programs in the region attended the Institute, representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Portugal and Uruguay.

During the five-day Institute themed “Nurturing Spiritual Formation in the Seminary,” participants focused on the hearts of students, not simply their head and hands, as part of a holistic approach to student growth. The seminary leaders were equipped with a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, so that it can be intentionally integrated into the entire program, curriculum and culture of their seminaries. All presentations and materials were available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

"During the week, I started to write a program for spiritual formation, since we did not have anything written so far [at our school," said one Institute participant. "I wish to demonstrate and make the students aware of this process in the school....We have done some progress in this area, but it is not clear for the students. That is a great challenge that I take with me after this Institute."

The next Institutes for Excellence will take place May 11-15 at China Graduate School of Theology (CGSTHK) in Hong Kong and China Evangelical Seminary (CES) in Taiwan. Click here for the 2009 schedule.

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