An investigation into spiritual formation programmes at selected Theological Institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal
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Date
2005
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Abstract
This research is an investigation into spiritual formation programmes available at different theological institutions in Kwa-Zulu Natal with the aim of finding out how spiritual formation is being intentionally or specifically pursued and whether these programmes are meeting the spiritual needs of the students.
The research is based on the hypothesis that spiritual formation should have a legitimate place in theological education in spite continuing disagreements about the nature and place of spiritual formation. If it is imperative that theological graduates be people of competence and character, then spiritual formation must be as much a part of the agenda of the institution as academic competence.
Curricular standards for theological education involves concern about intellectual, professional and spiritual formation. Unfortunately the current dominant structure of theological curricula tends to favour academic instruction, tolerate the practical and compartmentalize the spiritual.
The average Protestant theological institute suffers from the perception that spiritual formation is not necessary. A reason for this can be traced to a belief that the church is the proper environment for spiritual formation. Cognitive instruction is thought of as the province of the curriculum, with spiritual formation happening implicitly, informally and on a personal basis.
The present study contributes empirical data to the growing literature on the relationship between spiritual formation and theological education. Research was conducted at five selected theological institutions to reveal an imbalance in the nature of theological education where the focus is on the academic aspects of learning. This study shows that attempts to take spiritual formation seriously were met with resistance. The field-work revealed that only one of the selected theological institutions has an intentional spiritual formation programme. In the main, the majority of theological institutions did not have an intentional spiritual formation programme despite the fact that they feel an obligation to develop students spiritually as seen by the varied spiritual activities in place.
The spiritual maturity of future Christian leaders is an important problem and needs to be addressed throughout theological training. Spiritual formation cannot be left to chance, any more than the pastoral or strictly academic components of ministry formation. This study highlighted a critical task of theological education: the responsibility to develop students holistically. While spiritual formation can and should be intentionally pursued in specific courses, it is important to see it as a crucial dimension of theological education as a whole.
This study concluded with general observations about the future of theological education, especially the need for an integrated education. An approach to spiritual formation was offered for an evangelical theological institution.
The findings of this study underscore a much neglected area in the training and equipping of pastors that needs immediate remedial action. The weight of the research's contribution lies in its empirical research and it is of publishable quality
Description
Submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Theology in the field of Practical Theology at the university of Zululand, 2005.
Keywords
Spiritual formation, Spirituality--Study and teaching (Higher), Spiritual direction, Theological seminaries--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal