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how it relates to one’s ministry and calling. It in- leaders may also track their forma�on thoug-
cludes the examina�on of emo�onal reac�ons hout the lifespan of their ministry to ensure
to the shaping, such as anger, guilt, shame, they move from commitment to maturity and
remorse; explora�on of assump�ons; reconsi- to finishing well. Each challenge and dilemma
dering of roles and rela�onships; iden�fying should be analyzed and reflect on to find the
new roles and rela�onships and developing a opportunity for growth and being shaped by
new perspec�ve. The process should be viewed God. In alignment with Paul all leaders and sin-
as spiritual forma�on and the new insight gai- cere believers should strive to finish well.
ned about self, God, beliefs about God and
others, implemented into the new role(s). Timothy 3-8 provides a vision of how we should
finish our ministries and our lives: “As for you,
Chris�an leaders and all believers should un- always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do
derstand shaping ac�vi�es, recognize them, the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
learn from them, and allow God to shape their For I am already being poured out as a drink
characters and faith and stay focused. The sha- offering, and the �me of my departure has
ping ac�vi�es include integrity and obedience come. I have fought the good fight, I have finis-
to God; a conscious commitment to serve as a hed the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth
leader and to stay commi�ed through trials; there is laid up for me the crown of righteous-
submission to authority; learning how to opera- ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will
te in spiritual authority; accep�ng paradigm award to me on that day, and not only to me
shi�s and adap�ng to new ideas; iden�fying but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
and standing against spiritual opposi�on; mo-
ving to new levels of depth in their rela�onship (1) All Biblical references are from the English Stan-
with God; dealing with crises and conflicts; dis- dard Version (ESV).
cover and develop gi�edness; receive
guidance; treasure ministry breakthroughs and References
build on them; handle leadership backlash and Clinton, J.R. & Clinton, R (2004). The Life Cycle
other challenges; develop a sense of des�ny of a Leader. Printed by permission via XanE-
and embrace des�ny ac�vi�es (Clinton and du, July 2004 from George Barna, ed. Leaders
Clinton, 2004). on Leadership (Gospel Light) 1997.
Lu, J. (2021). Educa�onal models of spiritual
Conclusion forma�on in theological educa�on: Introspec-
Spiritual forma�on is a lifelong process based �on- based spiritual forma�on. Teaching
on a conscious commitment to follow and ser- Theology & Religion, 24(1), 28-41.
ve Christ (salva�on), and to become more like Wilhoit, J.C., & Howard, E.B. (2020). The Wis-
Him (sanc�fica�on). Tradi�onal spiritual prac�- dom of Chris�an Spiritual Forma�on. Journal of
ces of prayer and service could be implemented Spiritual Forma�on and Soul Care. Vol. 13 (1) 5-
for inten�onal spiritual forma�on. Chris�an 21.
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