Spiritual Formation Program

Perkins School of Theology

The Spiritual Formation Program at SMU's Perkins School of Theology recognizes that a complete theological education and thorough preparation for ministry give attention to identifiable needs and capacities, such as:

  • Personal spiritual formation
  • Experience and familiarity with the variety of spiritual disciplines
  • Capability to facilitate the spiritual growth of others
  • Theological and critical capacity to evaluate trends in spiritual expression and nurture the same capacity in others

Led by facilitators in groups of ten, students at Perkins School of Theology share in a formative experience designed to provide them with the framework of a common experience, emphasizing:

  • Experience in prayer and devotion
  • Broad-based exposure to a variety of spiritual disciplines
  • Opportunities to explore the central genius of spiritual traditions
  • The development of a critical capacity that will allow the student to evaluate those traditions theologically
  • The opportunity to explore the deeper connection between spiritual formation and vital ministry

The program in Spiritual Formation at Perkins School of Theology is an integral part of the school's theological education. It seeks to prepare students for a ministry which incorporates personal spiritual formation, experience with the variety of spiritual disciplines, the ability to facilitate the spiritual growth of others, the critical capacity to evaluate trends in spiritual expression, and the ability to nurture the same capacity in others. Students gain a  basic familiarity with the complex landscape of spiritual practice and awareness of the diversity of spiritual expression, an understanding of the significance of cultural and ethnic context for the shape of spirituality, and an awareness of the on-going dialog with spiritual traditions of other faiths. Students strive to acquire the ability to integrate the spiritual, theological, and social dimensions of life.