Spiritual Formation

The Spiritual Formation Committee (SFC) of Blacksburg United Methodist Church (BUMC) is a group of six to nine people who serve the larger Worship work area whose ministry is represented by the Worship Coordinator to the Church Council.  The chair for the committee is selected by the members, and leads the committee in goal setting at the beginning of the year as well as overseeing implementation of goals.  The Chair offers periodic reports to the Worship Coordinator who represents any need of the committee to the Church Council.

Spiritual Formation is a fundamental characteristic of Christian Life. We are to be intentional about our Christian formation which shapes our will, intellect and emotions into distinct ways of being. Spiritual growth of formation is the process by which we are shaped by God’s gracious design as made known to us in Jesus Christ.

The Spiritual Formation Committee of BUMC partners with other committees and work areas of the congregation to provide assistance and resources that support spiritual encounter and growth. this partnership is initiated by both the Spiritual Formation Committee and the other committees and word areas of the congregation.

The SFC of BUMC assumes responsibility for specific facets of ministry at BUMC.  Here is what we are working on for the next few months.

Prayer
    *Prayer inserts in the weekly bulletin (There is currently discussion of the inserts being replaced by pocket size cards which would be distributed at the conclusion of worship on Sunday Mornings. The prayer would be developed by the person responsible for the worship and relate to the central focus of the message. Worshippers would be encouraged to use the prayers in the coming week.   

    *Prayer resources on the church web site to be easily accessible by anyone. 

Partner with other Committees to provide assistance and resources that support Spiritual growth.
    *Prayer Shawl Ministry
    *Prayer Breakfast Ministry
    *Groups that correspond with people on the Prayer List (currently XYZ)

Internet resources
    *Use the BUMC email listserv and web site to make resources for living a life of simplicity available to members.

Task the committee is working on until the end of the year.
    * Praying that the Holy Spirit moves people to want a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through studying God’s Word.
    * Participate in one of the three Disciple Bible Studies being offered and encourage friends and family to do so.

Develop resources for prayer and spiritual growth for the BUMC web site.
     * Add a Prayer and Spiritual Growth page to the web site with information for all members.