Students share meals together prior to some of the class sessions and are involved in small group sessions conducted by clergy and lay leaders. Foundations for Spiritual Life , the first course in the Cohort Program, is designed to help students develop and maintain a strong and vital faith in God in the face of the pressures and problems of Christian service today. Particular attention is given to spiritual formation through prayer and other spiritual disciplines. Retreats provide students a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their relationship with God and with others. There are two retreats a year, one in early fall and the other in early summer, which include worship, teaching and times reflection.
Worship is an integral part of each cohort course.
Approximately 30 to 40 minutes are set aside in every class session for worship, study of God's Word, and times of silent reflection. Mentoring Students in the Cohort Program are assigned mentors to guide and direct them during the course of the program. Mentors are pastors and other Christian leaders who are chosen because of their expertise in a particular field of study. Each mentored course provides at least eight hours with the mentor, plus another eight hours of directed learning activities. To pray for the student on a regular basis To discuss any pertinent issues which may arise regarding course content, the student's personal spiritual development, the integration of course content and pastoral ministry, the student's personal priorities, schedule, or finances.