Spiritual Formation

What is Spiritual Formation?

Spiritual Formation is a lifelong process of growing closer to God. In COSSO, participants are encouraged to explore their spiritual journey. During the time frame of weekend courses and the summer intensive session, opportunities are provided to experience God's presence and love and to notice God's action in their daily lives. Students are given spiritual exercises during weekend sessions, to encourage a regular practice of the spiritual disciplines even in the midst of life's busyness.

Within each of us lies the desire to find meaning, to discover wholeness, and to grow closer to the Holy. Spiritual Formation points the way and reminds students to slow down and listen to God, in order to be effective spiritual leaders who bring the presence of God into all aspects of their lives and ministry.

Weekend Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation is a unique component of the Course of Study on the MTSO campus, for the purpose of nurturing the spiritual maturity of church leaders. From the Wesleyan tradition, opportunities are available for communal worship, private prayer, holy communion, searching scripture, and participating in worship.

Spiritual Direction is an important aspect of spiritual growth and an ancient tradition of "holy listening," that involves regular meetings with a trained spiritual director. This is a time when students are guided to reflect on where God is at work in their lives.. COSSO students have the opportunity to experience spiritual direction at no cost. Students should contact Rebeka before they arrive on campus to schedule a 30 minute session.

What happened to Covenant Groups?

Many COSSO students remember that Covenant Groups were a major part of Spiritual Formation.  In a few cases the Groups are still working, but in other it has been difficult to maintain consistency. Therefore, the Groups are no longer incorporated into Spiritual Formation. Instead, students are encouraged to maintain their covenant with God through prayer and spiritual disciplines. Spiritual exercises are provided at Gathering Time to help students honor their covenants and promote spiritual growth.

Rev. Rebeka Maples is the Director of Spiritual Formation. She is an ordained elder in the UMC West Ohio Conference, serving at Thurston UMC since 2000. Rebeka has a Ph.D. in Political Science from OSU and taught at Capital University and OSU before her call to ministry. Graduated from MTSO in 2000 with an M.Div. and specialization in Spirituality, under Sr. Joanmarie. Rebeka served the Methodist Church in England and maintains close ties with family and friends there. She  is also a spiritual director, certified by Wellstreams of Spirituality Network.