“The Institute [on spiritual formation] confirmed what we are already doing”

OC’s ninth 2009 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development took place October 13-16 in Puebla, Mexico. The event was hosted by OC partner Puebla Bible Seminary (PBS). Thirty-three leaders from 19 strategic training programs in the region attended the Institute, representing Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

During the four-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.

Many participants said the Institute was excellently planned, and the presentations were well-prepared. One said, “We have been working on [spiritual formation at our school] for at least 10 years. The Institute confirmed what we are already doing. It just takes time to get there, [but] patience and persistence always win.” Others said they will implement suggestions into the whole curriculum and develop intentional spiritual formation programs instead of just expecting spiritual formation to happen.

The next Institute for Excellence will take place October 27-30 at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Beirut, Lebanon. Click here for the 2009 schedule.

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