The Spiritual Formation Institute is a personal, integrative and intense series of courses focusing on spiritual formation.  The Apostle Paul shared with the church of Galatia that he would continue to labor “until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19)  The word for “formed” means “to be shaped inwardly” with the goal of being like Christ in essential character.  The intention of the Spiritual Formation Institute (SFI) is to intentionally labor in nurturing people to apply all their God-given resources so that they may experience ongoing spiritual formation. 

Spiritual Formation Defined: 
Spiritual formation is the grace-driven developmental process of being conformed by the Holy Spirit to the image of Christ for the glory of God and the good of others.

In the spiritual formation process believers in Christ intentionally choose to learn and to practice key lifestyle habits, and the Spiritual Formation Institute provides the tools and the guidance needed to successfully engage in that process.

Individuals who complete six core courses will receive a certificate of completion.  The requirements for completion of each course are to faithfully attend eight of the ten class sessions for each course, work on the home assignments, and share the journey with other sojourners in the class.

Enrollment in each course is limited to 15 people.  Registration forms are available in the church office, or you can e-mail your desire to enroll in a course to calvin_bgbc@wa-net.com

Course Offerings Fall 2010: 

Everyday Spirituality
"The Spirituality of Sex, Work, Money and Leisure"
(Fall 2010 -- Monday Evenings for 10 weeks beginning September 13th)
God speaks with wisdom and authority about key nerve centers in our lives, and hearing and heeding what God says about money, work, leisure and sex has life-altering implications.  God's perspective on each of these life concerns will be the basis of the study.

"Growing Strong in the Ways of Jesus"
(Fall 2010 -- Wednesday Evenings for 10 weeks beginning September 15th)
What does it mean in actual lifestyle to "follow Jesus?"  For the last 21 centuries men and women of God have sought to find an answer to that question, and in the process five key elements of following Jesus have become evident.  A daily devotional guide will be available to enhance integration of Jesus' lifestyle into our own way of living.