Connecting Spiritual Formation and Adult Learning Theory: An Examination of Common Principles

Beard, Christopher B.

doi:10.1177/073989131701400202

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…He shows that many promising links exist with the fields of andragogy (Knowles) and transformative learning theory (Mezirow). Beard pleads for deeper involvement with those educational fields, as “the spiritual formation practitioner may find the knowledge generated in the field of adult learning to be an invaluable asset in spiritual formation program development and execution” (Beard, 2017: 265).…”

Section: Strands In the Literature On Spiritual Formation In Online Theological Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Re-engaging Spiritual Formation in Online Theological Education

Knijff¹

2021

Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission St

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In the recent literature on formation in online theological education, a number of thematic strands can be delineated: the apologetic, didactic, pedagogical, empirical, and geographical strands. However, apart from the early apologetic stage of the discussion theological reflection plays a minor role in the literature. In this article, I argue that theology plays a limited and superficial role in contemporary writings about formation in online theological education. Yet, spiritual formation in online theological education needs theological grounding. Given the accelerated shift to forms of online education across the world, such theological grounding is an urgent task. In this renewed theological engagement, three areas especially call for sustained attention: (1) the multi-faceted nature of spiritual formation; (2) the question of agency in spiritual formation and the consequences for the theological curriculum; and (3) engagement with theological traditions that offer ample material to guide our contemporary thinking about spiritual formation.

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Section: Strands In the Literature On Spiritual Formation In Online Theological Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Re-engaging Spiritual Formation in Online Theological Education

Knijff¹

2021

Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission St

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“…A definition of spiritual formation is "complicated by terminological imprecision that reflects this vastness and diversity" (Beard, 2017, p. 248). Beard (2017) explained this being a result of spiritual formation being addressed "from countless theological, sociological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives and is discussed in popular literature as well as scholarly works" (p. 248). Willard (2000) echoed this definitional challenge having stated that "Too often spiritual formation is regarded as a catch-all category that conveys little specific information" (p. 254).…”

Section: Spiritual Formation Within Christian Higher Educationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spiritual Formation in Christian Higher Education

Woodward¹

2021

Proceedings of the 2021 AERA Annual Meeting

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The purpose of this study was to explore spiritual formation in Christian higher education. Three research questions guided this study: 1) What are leader's perceptions of spiritual formation programs? 2) What are the institutional influences affecting spiritual formation programs in Christian higher education? 3) How are spiritual formation programs in Christian higher education designed to achieve specific outcomes? To answer these questions, the researcher distributed an email survey with an opportunity for follow-up interviews to leaders of spiritual formation programs in Christian higher education institutions who hold membership to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The findings indicate that leaders of spiritual formation programs view outcomes and objectives related to increasing students' awareness of God and acceptance of God as important. Additionally, findings indicate that denominational affiliation has significant influence upon spiritual formation programs, including who participates in these programs to serve students in this capacity. Finally, program design at most institutions prioritizes chapel. This positions spiritual formation program leaders as organizational managers who provide opportunities for students to grow and develop spiritually.

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“…For evangelical Christians, identity goals are likely to include wanting to act in a Christ-like way or in accordance with the Bible. Helping people achieve their identity goals is especially important from a Christian education perspective: Development of one's identity as a Christian (and hence one's identity goals) may be viewed as the fundamental purpose of Christian education and spiritual formation (Beard, 2015(Beard, , 2017.…”

Section: Conflict and Conflict-related Goalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Constructively Managing Program-related Conflict In Local Churches

Dunaetz

2019

Christian Education Journal

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Interpersonal conflict surrounding church programs is a major source of distress for both pastoral staff and lay members of evangelical churches. Such conflict, when destructive, may severely hinder the achievement of program objectives. However, conflict when managed constructively may lead to a more effective program and strengthened relationships. This empirical study seeks to understand the conditions under which program-related conflict in evangelical churches leads to detrimental outcomes and those which lead to constructive outcomes. In a role-playing, survey-based experiment of American church attenders ( N = 276), participants’ satisfaction with conflict outcome was measured in a scenario with various outcomes concerning their program-related goal (maintaining the starting time of a mid-week children’s program) and their social goals (e.g., having a better relationship with the director of the children’s program, being affirmed in their Christian identity, and ensuring that decisions are made fairly). The study indicates that, in a conflict concerning a children’s program, church attenders who have a salient social goal achieved, but not their program-related goal, will be more satisfied than church attenders who have their program-related goal achieved but not a salient social goal.

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Connecting Spiritual Formation and Adult Learning Theory: An Examination of Common Principles

Cited by 9 publications

References 17 publications

Re-engaging Spiritual Formation in Online Theological Education

Re-engaging Spiritual Formation in Online Theological Education

Spiritual Formation in Christian Higher Education

Constructively Managing Program-related Conflict In Local Churches

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