Spiritual Formation Groups

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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.

“The people in my group came together with open hearts full of desire to connect and be with God in community. In a few short weeks, participants experienced spiritual companioning in a way they haven’t experienced in other contexts, and they expressed deep appreciation for the time together.”

Debora Smith, Group Leader

“It brought me great joy to witness the discovery of the Kingdom within each week as we took the pause to seek first the Kingdom of God.”

Joycelyn Lewis, Group Leader

“I was so encouraged to see the students opening up and responding with genuine affirmations and prayers for each other.”

Ken Dryden, Group Leader

Featured Groups

Formation groups begin meeting February 24-28, 2025. Registration is open below! Groups are capped at ten participants. For questions contact Dr. Marlena Graves at graves_marlena@robers.edu. Thank you!

Mondays, 12:00 pm ET

Janet Balajthy

Janet Balajthy served professionally with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for over four decades. She held a variety of national leadership positions with InterVarsity including that of Interim Vice President and Director of Collegiate Ministries. She launched InterVarsity's National Women's Council dedicated to the development of emerging female leaders. She continues to serve in ministry as a mentor and offers spiritual direction. She continues to adjunct teach at Northeastern Seminary and serves as a spiritual formation group leader.
Note: This is a women's group.

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Tuesdays 6:30 pm ET

Ken Dryden

I serve as a spiritual director in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Before that, I was a pastor for 28 years in two congregations and a regional director with Alpha Ministries Canada for 3 years. I am an ordained minister of the Free Methodist Church in Canada. Whether in spiritual direction, pastoral ministry, or evangelistic ministry, I have always focused on helping people be attentive to God's presence and work in their lives. Whether one-on-one or in groups it is a joy for me to accompany people who are seeking to grow closer with God. In doing so, I am always challenged to deepen my relationship with Jesus and live that out in my daily life. My wife Vera and I have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and two dogs. We are eagerly expecting our first grandchild in September.

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Here more from Ken in this video!

Mondays, 7:00 pm ET

Debora Smith

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 is interested in companioning anyone who is seeking a deeper spiritual life, anyone longing to be who they really are in the interior of their being, and anyone longing for a growing awareness of relationship with the Holy Mystery. 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. She enjoys nature, Celtic spirituality, and the company of animals.

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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

Spring 2025 Spiritual Formation Groups

Groups meet six to eight times over the course of the semester as a time for the participants to connect, share their faith journeys, and grow together. Each group is capped at 10 people. The first meetings will start the week of February 24, 2025.

What are People Saying?