About Spiritual Formation

The role of Spiritual Formation Advisor (SFA) within the discipleship Education cluster of the Centre for Theology and Ministry seeks to provide resources ‘to enrich and strengthen the spiritual foundations of Uniting Church members.’  (Job Description) There are many and varied ways in which this position could be work toward this aim.

Spiritual formation is grounded in fostering people’s lived experience of God’s grace, which calls forth their giftedness and unique calling as disciples. Spiritual formation develops through nurturing awareness of and response to the life of God drawing us into living our baptismal identity in abiding relationship as the Body of Christ. Individuals and communities will develop greater clarity about their ministry and resilience in the their ministry context. When we pay attention to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, we are drawn toward intimacy with God and become free to live the gospel more generously

Due to financial constraints and as a result of the 2009 CTM review, the SFA position will not be funded beyond 2010. The ministry, however is by no means ‘redundant’. Indeed, formation in the Holy Spirit is a foundational ingredient in Christian life and ministry. Nurturing spiritual formation is of fundamental importance. It is vital, therefore, the spiritual foundations of the UCA continued to be enriched and strengthened as we attend to God’s call to the church.

Questions arise as to the most productive focus for the work in 2010. Beyond this, a strategy is needed to maintaining the spiritual formation ministry in the life of the Synod.