tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8657772.post113161265546341003..comments2023-07-25T10:52:13.925-05:00Comments on Because I said so: John Orberg on Spiritual Formation during Seminary...Chris Meirosehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05717903860701408008noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8657772.post-1131743120918009132005-11-11T15:05:00.000-06:002005-11-11T15:05:00.000-06:00Our Seminary (Bethel) is divided into three areas ...Our Seminary (Bethel) is divided into three areas (centers). We have the Center for Transformational Leadership, the Center for Spiritual Formation, and the Center for Theological and Biblical Studies. Everything else falls into one of these three centers. Each Center has a Dean resposible for the oversight of all that falls into that category. I think it is a great system, and seems to be working well at Bethel Seminary. We have to take a handful of courses on Spiritual Formation, including a segment of small groups like you at DTS took. The have been tweeking this system though, so I know it is different than it was when I took these courses. Ortberg's book "The Life You Always Wanted" is a great place to start if anyone is looking to deepen themselves in the area of spiritual formation. I personally suggest avoiding Richard Foster.Chris Meirosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05717903860701408008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8657772.post-1131739346722416442005-11-11T14:02:00.000-06:002005-11-11T14:02:00.000-06:00Through my education at Dallas Theological Seminar...Through my education at Dallas Theological Seminary we were all involved in Spiritual Formation groups for several years. The minimum requirement is two, but my group audited it and stayed together throughout our years there. That small-group accountability and weekly meeting is really want got most of us through to graduation. We were able to encourage each other, challenge each other, and help prepare our hearts and minds for service to the Lord.<BR/><BR/>Concerning your second question, I found it best to attend an evening church service at someplace other than where I served in ministry on Sunday mornings. Sunday mornings are so crazy and hectic that it's really hard to focus and worship. My mind was constantly thinking of who I needed to talk to, replying my lesson in my mind, where was Lisa (or whoever), etc. Attending a different church in the evening allowed me to relax, enjoy no responsibilities or expectations, I don't know anyone, they don't know me -- I can just sit and relax and focus on worshipping the Lord. That time-out from seminary and ministry is vital.Tim Schmoyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04157270131531326696noreply@blogger.com