Without study and reflection the minister can be shorthsighted and superficial. Rather than seeking solutions to problems, he or she can simply attend to symptoms. There is no depth to the evangelizing experience and the way is open for eventual decline. To counter this the Order of Friars Minor has taken steps to provide a solid formation and orientation to missionary and pastoral service. The Minister General offers scholarships to students from developing countries and Eastern Europe .
Fraternal guide is a requisite for effective formation.
To provide these guides the Secretary General for Formation has designed a Formation for Formators Program. It is a six week course to be conducted each year in Rome and Assisi for 34 friars who serve as directors of formation or who will be assigned to this ministry. Contents of the course include the theology of religious life,Franciscan spirituality, the documents of the Church and Order on formation to religious life and priesthood, ways of counselling and spiritual direction. Friars engaged in formation have requested this help. Over half will come from units of the Order unable to pay all or even part of the expenses for this vitally necessary service.