A Formational Process to Help Ministry Leaders Engage in Inner Work

Abstract

Engagement in inner work is important for ministry leaders because there is relationship between the development of the inner person and the exercise of leadership in the public arena. This research project facilitates the engagement of inner work on the part of the Christian leader using a formational process that includes one-on-one spiritual direction meetings, group meetings, and classroom lectures. The process is guided by a biblically and theologically grounded model that consists of four domains: attention to God image, self-identity, spiritual practices, and ministry/leadership development. The findings demonstrate that engagement in inner work can facilitate a deeper relationship with God that will sustain leaders in their ministry. The research lends support to the importance of inner work in facilitating the spiritual life of the leader.