VCI training is based on its educational philosophy of Integrated Leadership Development (ILD), which seeks to develop the whole person spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially, while also cultivating analytical thinking. In addition to the competency unit “Spiritual growth for leaders”, the spiritual formation of students is further nurtured through the following practices and activities.
The Director for Ministry and Spiritual Formation is responsible for overseeing the process of spiritual formation and its assessment. Spiritual formation is integrated throughout all units undertaken by the student and is promoted in the following ways:
At the beginning of the program, students are orientated on how to integrate the study of each unit with their personal spiritual formation.
- Students are expected to apply the content of every unit to their own spiritual lives and ministry practice.
- Students are strongly encouraged to keep reflective notes on their spiritual growth and development.
- Cohort members meet online for fellowship, sharing and prayer and are encouraged to support one another regularly in prayer and spiritual growth.
- During, or at the end of each trimester, the ministry and spiritual formation director or a designated faculty member facilitates a group discussion with students on the impact of the trimester’s units on their spiritual lives.
- At the end of each academic year, each student is required to submit a concise report reflecting on their spiritual development during that year. The report is reviewed by the spiritual formation director or a designated faculty member and where necessary, discussed with the cohort professor and/or unit professors.
- The spiritual formation director, and/or unit professor may meet with individual students from time to time for personal guidance and support. Students are also welcome to request such meetings.
- Students are encouraged to have a local spiritual mentor who could support and guide them in their spiritual formation journey.
- When a student applies for graduation, the spiritual formation director or a designated faculty member provides an evaluation of the student’s spiritual maturity as a pre-requisite for graduation eligibility.