The School of Formation is the process we have created through which we help those who are part of OCC work through a Rhythm of Life that gives shape to everything as we seek to be faithful and fruitful followers of Jesus.
We take seriously Jesus’ calls to follow him, learn from him, and do the things he has created us to do. Formation is the process through which we incrementally become who God has made us to be as we embrace Holy Spirit’s work in us.
The three-year journey is intended to dovetail with our vision to multiply Missional Households and establish Gospel Communities.
This is deliberate because we are intent on not just equipping people for a task but a depth of life, in Jesus that truly transforms how we get to live and then pass it on to others.
WHAT
We believe that only a deeply formed life in Christ can lead you and others to the transformative kind of life to which you are called. In Galatians 4, Paul writes, “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” The biblical quest for spiritual formation is a quest to be so shaped from within by the presence of Christ that we are no longer "conformed to this age but are transformed by the renewal of our mind." This is a call to be a leader in whatever space you find yourself; that is, you can say, “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.”
WHY
We need followers of Jesus who can bridge cultural divides, equip people to be the church, and remind the church of its role to participate with God on his mission in the world every day. We need believers in the church, the marketplace, families, and beyond who know Jesus deeply and, because of that, know who they truly are. From this firm foundation, we can then be the example and, with all integrity, call others to “follow me as I follow Christ.” The world does not need a better version of us; it needs Jesus. The call is for us to take seriously the call to “come take up your cross and follow me.”
WHEN
Running for a potential 3 years from January to December with monthly teaching and discussion gatherings, as well as intentional reading and biblical reflections, we will explore Christian spiritual formation.
Sign-up
FAQ’s
Who is this for?
The whole church! But anyone who wants to look at how they can structure their life in pursuit of Jesus. Year 2 and 3 is an optional progression for those who want to explore stepping out in leadership with a Missional Household
What’s involved?
The school of formation is a combination of in-person meetings together, reading books and biblical reflections personally, as well as additional content by way of podcasts. We suggest that the monthly time this will take is 5 hours: 2 hours per month for in-person meetings, 2 hours of reading, 1 hour for biblical reflection, and journaling.
Where is it taking place?
Monthly meetings will likely be in person at our building in Shottery, but we may change this depending on who signs up.
How much does it cost?
There is no course fee or payment for the School of Formation. Individuals should cover all book costs, but if this is a struggle, please speak to us. We may ask for a small contribution to the cost of the retreat day we hold part way through the first year.
I have a question not covered above?
If you have any questions, please send us an email.
