Spiritual formation isn’t new; it’s only been lost for a while. (Dallas Willard, Leadership Journal, Summer 2005)
What is this arena of ministry which folks are calling “Spiritual Formation”?
How does it compare and contrast with the popular notion of “Christian discipleship”?
Defining spiritual formation is a two-week introduction to the field of spiritual formation–designed to help individuals and small groups to better understand the ancient yet contemporary process of how we come to mature in the Christian life.
Over the span of the two-week course, students can expect four sessions, each incorporating…
• A video presentation
• Supplemental readings
• Opportunities to engage a Discussion Board (with an aim and hope of bridging head and heart)
Four distinct approaches will inform each of the four sessions — and our ultimate definition of spiritual formation:
1) Isolating the obvious and positive elements of what spiritual formation is.
2) Clarifying what Spiritual Formation is not – that is, distinguishing spiritual formation (from kindred concepts with which it can be too easily confused)
3) describing a few of the crucial tensions or paradoxes which SF maintains and navigates, and
4) conveying some sense of the means and ends of spiritual formation in real life and practice
The following video has been prepared to introduce you to course facilitator, Rev. Jim Reiter, and to give individuals a more personal orientation to the broad strokes of this course and desired outcomes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJf7OsR2wWc&t=198s
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 2
Price: $50
CEUs: 1.0
Required books?: No
Live video session?: No
Part of a certification or series of courses?: No
Price: $50
About the Instructor
After 35 years of active parish ministry in the East Texas area (including several congregations in Houston), the Rev. Dr. James H. “Jim” Reiter took early retirement in 2018 so that he and his wife, Kathy, could pursue their interest in spiritual formation on a full-time basis.
A 1983 graduate of Texas A&M University, Jim earned his M.Div. and D.Min. from Perkins School of Theology. Coursework at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary led to Professional Certification in Spiritual Formation through the United Methodist Church. Subsequent studies had Jim being certified as a Spiritual Director (via the Episcopal Diocese of Texas) in June 2021.
Throughout the course of his pastorate, spiritual formation has been Jim’s interest and passion. This has included explorations in the contemplative life, immersion experiences in monastic settings, leadership in retreat settings, research in stages of faith development, experience with traditional and less-traditional spiritual disciplines, and a keen interest in the intersection of Christ and culture.
Jim and Kathy founded Zoe-Life Explorations (www.zoe-life.net) in 2018. Through this ministry and through a variety of other roles (lead instructor for BeADisciple’s Certification in Spiritual Formation program, spiritual director, faculty member at the Find School of Spiritual Direction and Formation, and a ministry specialist in spiritual direction and in spiritual formation for the Texas Annual Conference), Jim’s mission is to facilitate discussions and experiences of spiritual formation for individuals and faith communities.
