The Role of Christian Education in Spiritual Formation
Chapter One
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To ascertain the effectiveness of Christian education in spiritual formation
- To find out the role of Christian education in spiritual formation
- To find out the accessibility of Christian education for spiritual growth and formation
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATION IN THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
What is meant by spiritual formation? A World Council of Churches publication defines spiritual formation as “the intentional processes by which the marks of an authentic Christian spirituality are formed and integrated” (Amirtham and Pryor, n.d., p. 157). 3 Such spirituality must always be both “God-centred and earth-based” (p. 153). This definition is helpful for two reasons. First, it indicates that Christian spirituality involves certain processes (such as whether spiritual formation of theological students should be the responsibility of a specialist or of the teaching staff as a whole} Secondly, it indicates that Christian spirituality that is truly authentic must be integrated into the lives of the students and faculty, and thus be observable, whether that be in the classroom, the dormitory or the church. Some of the most significant literature in the study of spiritual formation in theological education has been published in Theological Education, the journal of the Association of Theological Schools based in North America (hereafter ATS) The foundational study was completed in 1972 and presented as Voyage-Vision-Venture: A Report by the Task Force on Spiritual Development. The opening sentence noted: “For a number of years the Executive Committee of the American Association of Theological Schools have shared with the staff the conviction that a priority issue of major dimensions is that of the spiritual development of persons preparing for ministry.” The report continued, “Those sent out to be preachers, teachers and church leaders should not only know about the eternal God but . . . should know firsthand the One to whom the scriptures bear witness” (Babin, 1972, p. 1 ). The next major study of spiritual formation emanating from ATS was done by Tilden Edwards in 1979/80 and published in Theological Education in 1980 as “Spiritual Formation in Theological Schools”. The concerns expressedin 1972 were still evident at regional conferences and were summarised by Edwards: “A number of participants note the serious problem of attending spiritual development amidst the great academic pressures put on students by most curricula, which tend to choke out or remove to the periphery serious concern for an integral faith life” (p. 15). Then a conference on spiritual formation in July 1987 resulted in a number of articles in Theological Education, including a special supplementary issue in 1988 that published the conference papers. Forster Freeman (1987, p. 44f) quoted both the 1972 and the 1980 studies in his article entitled, “Spiritual Direction for Seminarians”, in which he summarised hi~ Doctor of Ministry studies. In the same supplementary issue, Robert Meye began his conference paper with, “We have long since learned that it is one thing to know the good, and another to perform it. We have that experience in theological education .. . ” (1988, p. 97). Outside of ATS circles the concern has been the same. Terry Hulbert (1988), of Columbia International University, noted that “in a recent meeting of the deans of thirteen leading evangelical seminaries in the United States, the subject which elicited the greatest concern and lengthiest discussion was the quality of the spiritual life of our students and ways in which we could help them grow” (p. 38).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine The role of Christian education in spiritual formation. Apostolic church in Ibadan form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the role of Christian education in spiritual formation. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the role of Christian education in spiritual formation
Summary
This study was on the role of Christian education in spiritual formation. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the effectiveness od Christian education in spiritual formation, to find out the role of Christian education in spiritual formation and to find out the accessibility of Christian education for spiritual growth and formation. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Apostolic church in Ibadan. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Tang (2014) has highlighted the complexity of spiritual formation given the historical evolvement and the multidisciplinary dimensions that are involved in the formational process. Many Christian scholars and writers have reinforced the need for true life transformation where believers are conformed to the image of Christ and live in Christlikeness. However, the challenges include the definition of spiritual formation, the practical issues of implementing effective church-wide spiritual formation initiatives and strategies, and the change of church model that propagates inner life transformation. Furthermore, effective spiritual formation also requires the full involvement of the Holy Spirit, believers, and ecclesial leaders. Therefore, spiritual formation will remain a vital focus and challenge for the Church of God until the return of Christ.
Recommendation
Christian education plays a vital role in spiritual formation as it provides a structured environment for individuals to learn about and deepen their relationship with God. The goal of Christian education is not just to impart knowledge about the Bible and Christian beliefs but also to encourage individuals to develop a personal relationship with God and to live out their faith in their daily lives.
Christian education can take many forms, such as attending church, participating in Bible study groups, enrolling in Christian schools or universities, or pursuing theological education. These opportunities provide individuals with a community of believers to learn from and to be held accountable by, which is essential for spiritual growth.
References
- Armstrong, C. (2009). The rise, frustration, and the revival of evangelical spiritual ressourcement. Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 2(1), 113-121.
- Andrews, A. (Ed). (2010). The Kingdom life: A practical theology of discipleship and spiritual formation. Colorado Spring, CO: NavPress.
- Averbeck, R. E. (2008). Spirit, community and mission: A biblical theology for spiritual formation. Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 1(1), 27-53.
- Averbeck, R. E. (2010). The Bible in spiritual formation. In A. Andrews (Ed.), The Kingdom life: A practical theology of discipleship and spiritual formation. Colorado Spring, CO: NavPress.
- Barton, R. H., Chandler, D. J., Tan, S. Y., TenElshof, J., & Wilhoit, J. C. (2014). Spiritual formation in the church. Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, 7(2), 292-311.
- Bock, D. L. (2008). New Testament community and spiritual formation. In P. Petit (Ed.), Foundations of spiritual formation: A community approach to becoming like Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Kruger.
- Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), Task Force on Spiritual Formation in Christian
- Higher Education. (2011). CCCU report of the task force on spiritual formation in Christian higher education. Retrieved from http://www.cccu.org/professional_development/resource_library/2011/cccu_r eport_on_spiritual_formation
