Spiritual Formation Groups

What is it and why join a group?

Spiritual Formation

Have you thought about joining an online spiritual formation group? We highly encourage you to do so! 

 

Spiritual formation is the process of being conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). It is both an individual and communal process. Spiritual Formation groups are designed to create a sacred space through shared reflection on the action of God in the life experience of group members and to ultimately consider how a group member's experience with God might contribute to the flourishing of their local communities. We believe these groups are important because we are conformed into the image of Christ in a healthy community, not in isolation alone.

What should I expect?

  • A regular opportunity to notice your inner life, with a special focus on your relationship with God.
  • A growing understanding of what God is doing in your ordinary daily life and through you in the world.
  • A regular opportunity to give and receive the hospitality of listening.
  • A confidential, caring environment in which to experience personal and spiritual growth.

Spiritual formation groups are distinctly different from many other valuable kinds of small groups. 

 

 What should I not expect?

  • A Bible study group
  • A support group
  • Group therapy, counseling, or problem-solving

The groups meet six to eight times spread out over the semester and will be a time for the students to connect with others, share their faith journeys, and grow together.

Each group is capped at 10 people. 

Sign Up Today!

Debora Smith

Mondays beginning September 25, 7 PM ET

Debora is a spiritual director trained through CenterQuest, an ecumenical organization focused on spiritual formation and direction. Her training is in the evocative, contemplative stream, heavily influenced by Henri Nouwen. She is a member of Spiritual Directors International and adheres to their ethical standards. She endeavors to offer a hospitable space of love for all people, without judgment, a space where the discovery of the Divine and of the True Self can occur. 

Debora holds a master’s degree in multicultural education and spent several years teaching in public high schools and adult education programs. 

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Matthew Nickoloff

Tuesdays beginning September 26 at noon ET

Rev. Nickoloff is the founding priest and developer of South Wedge Mission. Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a licensed priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, he is also a student with Fr Richard Rohr in the Living School for Action and Contemplation and currently sits on Rochester’s inaugural Police Accountability Board. He is currently working part-time on a Master of Social Work degree from SUNY Brockport.

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Photo of David Carr

David Carr

Disability-focused spiritual formation group. Wednesdays beginning September 20, at noon EST

David Carr is a New Testament scholar who teaches and researches in biblical studies and related fields. His interests are in selfhood, identity, moral agency, and disability in the New Testament and its ancient milieu. He earned a B.A. from Georgia College, an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Candler School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from Emory University.

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Rebecca Taylor

Thursdays, Beginning September 21 at 7 pm ET

Rebecca is the Director of Marketing at Northeastern Seminary and a '22 Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership alum. Rebecca served and worked in the local church for a decade prior to starting at the seminary where her focus was on connecting the online community to the in-person services ensuring clarity of message, engagement, and spiritual formation. Leading spiritual formation groups such as this is one of her favorite things to do each semester.

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