A Working Paper on the Spiritual Formation Institute,            

Holy Light Church (English), Johor Bahru, Malaysia

by Dr Alex Tang

 

1.                Introduction

Holy Light Church (English), Johor Bahru is a Presbyterian church, part of the English Speaking Presbytery (ESP) in Malaysia. The theological stance is neo-Calvinism with a healthy mix of Arminism. It is led by three pastors, elders, deacons and lay ministry leaders. The Senior Pastor has been with the church for 30 years. Key ministries are worship, nurture, mission, the Boys’ Brigade, children and youth ministries and fellowships.

The church has a membership roll of 435[1] members but at the Sunday service, the attendance averages 300 persons, inclusive of children. The members are mainly English educated middle class Chinese. There are a large number of professionals. There is a good mix of young children, youth, middle age and older adults. The ladies slightly outnumber the men. The level of commitment is good with many attending church service and activities regularly. A large number are involved in the cell groups.

Spiritual formation is defined as knowing and loving God, knowing and loving ourselves, knowing and loving our neighbours and living in the daily presence of God. This knowing and loving is grounded in the love of God the Father, the completed work on the cross of Jesus Christ the Son and the sustaining influence and power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual formation is done in the context of a community of faith. Thus the community must provide the correct environment and employ the means of grace for spiritual formation to occur. In such a nurturing environment, a young Christian can grow to maturing and bears the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It must be recognized that growth is not constant but sporadic and depends much on choices, age, gender, and life circumstances. Growth occurs most in times of uncertainty and stress such as in life events, loss and pain. It is in such times that we learn to let go of our illusion and turn to God for help. It is during such ‘teachable’ moments that the Holy Spirit acts quickly causing a spiritual transformation or metanoia. The Spiritual Formation Institute is formed to create a nurturing environment for spiritual formation while looking for opportunities and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to spiritual transformation. The model I am proposing is for adult Christian education (CE) and is directed to a specific group of people within the church. It is tailored mainly to people between 18-60 years old, English educated middle class Chinese of both sexes.

 

2.                  Summary of Key Features of Model of adult CE for SHALOM.

The word SHALOM in this model is used both in the sense of the Hebrew word and as an acronym for Story, Heart, Action, Learning, Oneness and Maturity. The key features and educational goals of this model are summarized in the table below:

 

Key Feature	Key Concept	Educational Goals
Story	Meta-narrative	(a)    To understand the Christian meta-narrative of God’s redemption plan for the whole of creation. (b)   To appreciate our own faith journey. (c)    To discover our vocation and calling in the Christian meta-narrative. (d)   To develop a Christian worldview. (e)    To appreciate and learn from 2000 years of our rich Christian heritage.
Heart	Emotions (orthopathy)	(a)    To be able to appreciate our emotions and to control them. (b)   To experience the Presence of God in our everyday life. (c)    To be able to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (d)   To set aside time for solitude and reflection.
Action	Ethical Christian Living (orthopraxis)	(a)    To understand that the Christian life is to be lived out in our routine everyday life. (b)   To be able to reflect and apply Biblical principles in our lifestyles. (c)    To be involved in helping the poor, sick and defenseless (injustice). (d)   To be able to build in Sabbath rest in our lifestyles.
Learning	Right thinking (orthodoxy)	(a)    To know the basic theological beliefs of our faith and denomination. (b)   To be able to study the Bible for ourselves. (c)    To be able to apply Biblical principles from our studies in our lives. (a)    To be lifelong learners.
Oneness	Community	(a)    To understand that Christian life is lived out in community. (b)   To learn to contribute to our church and the community outside by giving our time, money, spiritual gifts, talents and skills and persistent intercessory prayers. (c)    To celebrate the Christian year and special days. (d)   To learn about confliction management and forgiveness in our community.
Maturity	The goal of our CE is maturity in Christ (Christ-likeness)	(a) To understand and cooperate with the Holy Spirit for our spiritual growth. (b) To recognize that spiritual growth is a process. (c) To learn to know and love our Trinitarian God. (d)To learn to know and love our true self. (e)    To learn to know and love our neighbours.

 

This model has the integration as suggested by Harkness (1998)

·        Community orientated rather than individualistic,

·        Life-centered rather than school-based,

·        Transformational rather than exclusively informational,

·        Life-long rather than packaged and concentrated especially into the years of childhood and youth, and

·        Equipping people for service, both in the church and in society.

The outcome of this CE model is a man/woman matured in Christ (Col.1:28). To be matured means being Christ-like, bearing the fruit of the Spirit, spiritually formed and nurtured in shalom/holistic process in a faith community.

 

3.                  The Approach to Education and Biblical/Theological Principles for SHALOM

The philosophical foundation of this model is neo-Thomism or perennialism (Anthony and Benson 2003, 396-399). This model gives us a balanced view of the Christian life, acknowledging the weakness of idealism and naturalism and striking a balance between spirit and matter. This philosophical base is closer to the Hebrew approach to education. There is a need to move away from the dualistic teachings of the Greeks and reclaim the holistic teachings of the East (Rigalado 2001).

The word shalom was chosen because it encapsules what CE is all about. Joldersma (2004, xiii) unpacking Wolterstorff’s vision of ‘education for shalom’ writes, “Shalom means people living in right relationships with God, themselves, each other, and nature- and taking delight in such relationships…Shalom is an ethical community where all the members have a full and secure place in the community”. This model uses shalom as the goal of CE and also as an acronym for its key features.

The story or Christian meta-narrative is an important part of our faith journey. It gives us a sense of identity of who we are as ourselves and as children of God. The telling and retelling of the exodus narrative is an example of the principle of using stories to educate in the Old Testament. The exodus narrative tells of God’s faithfulness, deliverance, protection and guidance (Exodus 3-20). 

We are called to love our Lord with all our hearts (Matt. 22:37). Affective or experiential moments are important in the development of our spiritual life. We are created with emotions and part of our maturing process is to learn how to deal with our emotions.

A disciple is a learner. Our mind must be informed in the basic doctrines of our faith. The Bible should be our firm foundation and we need to study it. Like Timothy, our CE should produce workman and woman approved by God in their skillful use of the Word (2 Tim.14-15) and knowing the power of the Word for spiritual formation (Heb.4:12). Our mind must not only receive the Word but be transformed by it (Rom. 12:2).

All our theology must be translated into ethical living. It must be translated into action or it will be meaningless. James 1:22-25 teaches us not to be merely hearer but also be doers of the Word. That is why the reflective double-loop thinking of the theories of action (espoused and theories-in-use) is important in our spiritual growth.[2] (Smith 2001). This is similar to the examination of conscience of the Puritans and examen of consciousness of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Only in reflective or contemplative thinking that translate into action do we grow spiritually.

The context of Christian education is oneness in community.  In the epistle to the Ephesians, Paul taught about one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God (Eph. 4:3-6). It is this oneness that forms a Christian community. It is in community that we are safe and able to grow in a holistic way (Palmer 2004, 25-29). The Acts 2 church is a fine example of a Christian community in action (Acts 2:42-47).

The goal of our CE is maturity in Christ (Col.1:28). To be mature in Christ is to be Christlike. To be Christlike is to love. In Matthews 22:37-39 Jesus summarized all the commandants of God into two- love God, love our neighbours and ourselves. All these are relationships. Unless we have love for God, our true undivided self (Palmer 2004) and for our neighbours, we would have failed in our maturing process. Paul placed love above all (1 Cor. 13). Hence the need to nurture love and relationships in our CE. Maturing in Christ is an “ongoing partnership with Spirit and in the direction of universalizing faith” (Fowler 2000, 60).

In summary, SHALOM is a model that has philosophical, Biblical and theological support.

 

4.                  Justification of the Appropriateness of the Model of adult CE for SHALOM

The model of adult CE for SHALOM is an appropriate model for adult CE in HLCE. In fact, with a bit of modification with respect to target participants, it can be used for other sub-groups  in HLCE, for example in children’s ministries, man and woman’s fellowship and in the Boys’ Brigade. While there is no written philosophy of CE in HLCE, the philosophy of CE can be considered essentialism (Anthony 2003, 393-396) and the educational methodology of CE is schooling-instructional. While essentialism was useful in the past, times have changed. Members of the church are better educated and more knowledgeable and no longer willing to take the teachings of the CE teachers so readily. They are liable to question, suggest new approach of learning and even develop learning programs of their own. They are more open to change, do not regard themselves as empty vessels to be filled but rather as fellow pilgrim on a faith journey. Hence a CE model based on perennialism is more suited to the English educated members of the church. In relation to culture, this model can be considered incarnational as it does CE in the context of the Malaysian English educated Chinese culture.

This model is also in line with the Biblical and theological stance of HLCE. The neo-Calvinism teachings have always regarded justification and sanctification as being separate but assume one follows the other. Sanctification involves our faith meta-narrative. We need to know where we are involved God’s plan of redemption.  Sanctification also involves development of right affections, right action and right thinking (cognitive) which are component of the process of  maturing into Christ likeness. This is nurtured in the oneness in community and love relationships as represented in the SHALOM model.

It must be recognized that this model provides the infrastructure for spiritual formation. It prepares the mind, hearts and souls for these divine moments when the Holy Spirit intervenes in our lives, these transitional moments when we receive by means of grace, the spiritual transformation of our souls. We recognize fully the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual transformation that draws us and conforms us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence there is a continual need for dependence on His grace and for interventional prayers.

The cultural and social ecology of HLCE is English educated middle class Chinese. As stated, many are professional and at the minimal, the education level is at a diploma level. Hence there should not be a problem using the SHALOM model provided the educational methodology (pedagogy) is appropriate (see appendix 1). The  foundational basis of the educational methodology of the SHALOM model is that learning (formal, informal, ‘hidden curriculum’) is done in the context of the everyday life of the participants. It does not differentiate the ‘secular’ from the ‘sacred’ nor 'church times' from the workplace. All aspects of life are covered either at the church, small group and one-to-one level. It values the spiritual journey and the experiences we have on the way and uses it for our sanctification. Dubay (1989, 74-75) summaries five reasons why Teresa of Avila thought it important that believers should understand their spiritual journey and their experiences that mark their way.

a.       We need to know our destination.

b.      We need support and encouragement for the difficult times.

c.       We need to be able to recognize God’s blessing so that we may embrace them.

d.      We need to know how to operate in the difficult stages of growth.

e.       We need to be able to see that we are making progress.

 

5.                  Use of the model of adult CE for SHALOM for the Spiritual Formation Institute, Holy Light Church (English)

 Vision

To develop Holy Light Church (English) into a community of disciples with

informed mind, burning hearts and contemplative-in-action.

 

Mission

To conduct regular interactive teaching sessions that help participants

(1)   to understand Scriptures,

(2)   to understand our Christian Faith and Heritage,

(3)   to develop a Christian worldview,

(4)   to equip Leaders for Ministry,

(5)   to transform their lives into Ethical Christian Living at the personal, family, church, workplace and the community level,

(6)   to complement the other educational programs (pulpit ministry, the CELLS, children ministry, Ladies & Men Fellowship, YF, BB & GB) of the church. The goal is adult Christian education.

These are the six areas in which the content of spiritual formation will be imparted using the pedagogy of the model CE for SHALOM. To achieve the desired outcome of the above objectives in the mission statement, the content of the curriculum must be comprehensive. (Appendix 2). 

Recognizing that spiritual formation and spiritual transformation takes time, the curriculum of the spiritual formation institute will be planned for a 10 year period. It is estimated that it will take 10 years to impart the content of the curriculum.

 

6.                  Prayer, discernment, evaluation for the curriculum of CE for SHALOM

The Spiritual Formation Institute is to nurture the people of God. Hence it must always be aware that in all humility we should carry out this ministry by prayer. Prayer is an important aspect of spiritual formation and it must be noted that the Spiritual Formation Institute was formed only after 5 years of prayers. Leaders and workers in this ministry must always pray and intercede for God’s kingdom work. The leaders and workers must also learn discernment and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. There must be annual evaluation of the pedagogy and the relevance of the subjects imparted. Hence, while the contents for the whole curriculum still hold, there is freedom to choose the topics to be imparted each year.. These topics should be chosen under the supervision of the Holy Spirit as He knows what will be appropriate and needful for spiritual transformations to occur.

 

7.                  Conclusion

The Spiritual Formation Institute exists to serve the Holy Light Church (English). It has narrowed its scope so as to focus on a certain segment of the church. It is hoped that in this way it will become more effective in its ministry.

 

Soli Deo Gloria

 

 

 

References

Adams, Jay, E. 1986. How to Help People Change. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Anthony, Michael J. & Benson, Warren S. 2003. Exploring the History &Philosophy of Christian Education. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.

Dubay, Thomas. 1989.  Fire Within: St.Teresa of Avila, St, John of the Cross & the  Gospel on Prayer. San Francisco, CA: Ignatian Press.

Fowler, James W.2000.Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian: Adult Development and the Christian Faith. San Francisco,CA: Jossey-Bass Publisher

Harkness, Allan. 1998.The Christian Heritage in Modern Asia: The Modern  Factor: Education for a Relevant Church. Trinity Theological Journal, 7,103 -114.

Hughes, Philip. 2002. Five Ways People Approach Christian Education in  Churches.Journal of Christian Education, 45, 1, 35-43

Joldersma, Clarence W. & Stronks, Gloria Goris (Eds.). 2004. Educating for  Shalom: Essays on Christian Higher Education. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans  Publishing.

Lovelace, Richard F. 1985. Renewal As a Way of Life: A Guidebook for Spiritual Growth.  Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Palmer, Parker J. 2004. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Towards An Undivided Life. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.

Regalado, F. 2001. Hebrew Thought: Its Implications for Christian Education in Asia. Asia Journal of Theology, 15, 1, 172-188

Seymour,J.L.,& Miller,D.E. 1990. Openings to God: Education and theology in dialogue. In Seymour, J.L.,& Miller,D.E. (Eds.). Theological approaches to Christian Education, 7-24, Nashville:Abingdon Press.

Smith,M.K.2001. Chris Arglis:theories of action, double-loop learning and  organizational learning, the encyclopedia of informal education,  www.infed.org/thinkers/argyris.htm; Internet; accessed 4 February 2005.

 

Appendix 1: Educational Methodology for SHALOM

Range	Educational Activities	Comments
Whole church level	(a)    Pulpit ministry     (b)   Celebration.     (c)    Worship and the Christian year.       (d)   SFI courses, seminars and conferences.	The pulpit ministry of the Word for informing the mind and an avenue for spiritual formation.   Building a faith community by having frequent celebrations over good/happy occasions and thanksgiving. Eating is always involved. Worship build around the Christian church year is a powerful education tool based on the Christian metanarrative.   The SFI courses, seminars and conference are planned each year with these 5 themes in mind: (i)                  Christian spirituality/spiritual formation (ii)                Ethical Christian Living. (iii)               Developing a Christian worldview. (iv)              Appropriating our Christian heritage. (v)                Understanding theology. With regards to the goals of SHALOM, it can be described as such: S (i) H (i) A (ii) (iii) (iv) L  (ii) (iii) (iv) O  (ii) (iii) (iv) M  (v)
Small groups level	(a)    Cell groups     (b)   Beginning Christian Life Studies (BCLS)         (c)    Developing Christian Life Studies (DCLS)                       (d)   Advanced Christian Life Studies (ACLS)     (e)    Covenant groups       (f)     Prayer retreat         (g)    Group spiritual direction       (h)    Centering prayer group   (i)      Social Action group         (j)     Leaders equipping group     (k)   Mentoring group	HLCE is a church with cell groups. Meeting weekly, its goals are for SHALOM.   This is Bible study workbook  (8 sessions) dealing with the basics of the Christian faith. It is also used in preparing new converts for baptism. To be in context with our CFC, this study is written by the author. It is held 4 times a year.   This is a Bible study workbook designed to be used after BCLS to lead the participants into a regular walk in the Christian Life. Also will be held 4 times a year. Topics to be covered are: Ø      Prayer Ø      Bible study Ø      Fellowship Ø      Sacraments Ø      Evangelism Ø      Spiritual Disciplines Ø      Giving Ø      Trinity   A Bible study workbook helping the participants to experience the presence of God and to deepen their prayer lives.   This covenant group is made up of 3-4 persons who have covenanted to meeting regularly and hold each other accountable in their Christian life. This is similar to Parker’s “circle of trusted” (2004,29)   This is a 8 weeks prayer retreat. Participants (no more than 5 per group) meeting with a spiritual director once a week for 8 weeks. It is done without the participants having to take time off. It is based on the Ignatian Exercises.   A group meets regularly with a spiritual director to discern the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.   A group that meet regularly to practice centering prayer together.   A group that has a heart for social concern and are involved in the community. At times they will get the whole church involved with their projects.     This group meets for skills and spiritual leadership development.   This is a group of younger Christians with a mentor. e.g. young working adults, young couples with children.
One-to-one level	(a)    Spiritual friend     (b)   Mentoring (older, younger)     (c)    Mentoring (peer)     (d)   Counseling     (e)    Spiritual Direction	Intentional gathering together for fellowship, sharing and friendship.   A more mature Christian may mentor a younger Christian in the faith. Also an older Christian may mentor a youth or young adult.   Two Christians may meet together to mentor each other. Different from spiritual friends because it is understood that a mentoring process is going on. Crisis or life events are good opportunities for spiritual growth. Need is to overcome the crisis.   Different from counseling. Need is to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in our inner spiritual life.

 

Appendix 2: Curriculum Content of Spiritual Formation Institute