The intended goal of this research project is to identify examples and best practices of online undergraduate spiritual formation among selected institutions of Christian higher education. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify examples and best practices of spiritual formation in online undergraduate programs among CCCU member institutions. However, there has been little consensus on best practices for online undergraduate spiritual formation and even less.
35Lowe and Lowe, “Spiritual Formation”; Roger White, "Promoting Spiritual Formation in Distance Education," Christian Education Journal 3, no. In addition, this project sought to establish consensus on best practices of spiritual formation in the online undergraduate context. Finally, this research project sought to establish consensus among experts regarding best practices of online undergraduate spiritual formation among CCCU member institutions.
The purpose of this study was to identify the examples and best practices of spiritual formation in online undergraduate programs among CCCU member institutions. Spiritual formation is one of the most important goals of Christian higher education and therefore the Christian universities, faculties and administrators are examined.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Stott, Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life, 2nd ed. This transformative process of inner life and character is ultimately a matter of spiritual formation. These texts suggest that the most important thing that can be said about man's nature is that he was made in the image of God.
This section examines the theoretical underpinnings of the CCCU, online Christian formation and teaching, then builds on demonstrating a gap in the literature regarding best practices of online spiritual formation in undergraduate contexts. One of the very few books related to online Christian education is Best Practices of Online Education: A Guide for Christian Higher Education, edited by Mark Maddix, James R. Another area related to online spiritual education where further research was needed was specifically within the context of the CCU.
Additionally, much of the literature written on the topic of online spiritual formation has focused directly on graduate studies. Lowe is also one of the editors and contributors, along with Maddix and Estep, of Best Practices of Online Education: A Guide for Christian Higher Education. Much of the literature related to online Christian education and formation communicates that spiritual formation is possible and very necessary.
Prior to 2010, there was no prior consensus definition regarding spiritual formation among the CCCU's 144 member institutions.
METHODOLOGY
The purpose of the Delphi method is to create consensus among experts regarding a particular problem. 1, since expertise is the criterion of the Delphi Panel, Skulmoski, Hartman, and Krahn assert, “Sample size varies. The results of the first round survey yielded 78 thematic practices grouped according to 16 indices of spiritual formation developed by CCCU.
Additionally, Round 2 differed from Round 1 in that Cronbach's Alpha was used to measure the reliability of the Round 2 survey instrument. How, specifically, do you cultivate the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit in your online students? . After completing the round 1 review phase, the qualitative data provided by the Delphi panel were imported into NVivo software.
How, specifically, do you cultivate the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit. Respondents who cite this theme N 1) By studying and reflecting on specific biblical passages .. which relate to the value and importance of the local and global church 31.3% 5 2. How, specifically, do you encourage the renewal and transformation of the mind in you. online students?.
Clearly define spiritual formation at the beginning of the course through quotes, comments or discussion boards. Q4 - How important are the following items in relation to promoting an awareness of the human condition in your online students. Q12 - How important are the following items when it comes to cultivating the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit in your online students.
Study and reflection on specific biblical passages related to the value and importance of the local and global church. Q15 - How important are the following points when it comes to encouraging the renewal and transformation of the minds of your online students. Study and reflection on specific biblical passages related to the value and meaning of the local and global.
24 Study and reflection on specific biblical passages related to the value and importance of the local and global church. The goal of this research project is to build consensus on the best practices of online spiritual education for undergraduates among CCCU faculty.
CONCLUSIONS
Moreover, spiritual formation was assumed to be one of the main goals of the higher Christian world. What are the best practices that CCCU member institutions are implementing to provide effective spiritual formation in their online undergraduate programs. A panel of experts was formed, and through an iterative process over three rounds, this study identified 30 consensus online undergraduate spiritual design best practices for use in CCCU's online classroom.
Therefore, this study sought to identify the actual classroom practices used by CCCU faculties in their online undergraduate Christian ministry classrooms to positively influence spiritual formation. In doing so, this research project identified 30 consensus best practices of spiritual formation used by CCCU faculty members in their online undergraduate classrooms. To help students develop an understanding of the balance between the work of God and the work of the believer in the process of spiritual formation, I have them answer the following discussion questions: 1.
While all 30 practices that emerged arose from a commitment to and affirmation of the Bible as central and authoritative, thirteen practices specifically emphasized the importance of grounding online spiritual formation in the authority of Scripture. Online spiritual formation best practices categorized by importance of being rooted in the authority of Scripture. Online Spiritual Formation Best Practices Categorized by Importance of a Collaborative Online Learning Environment.
This project identified actual practices used in the online classroom to effectively promote spiritual formation. Prior to this research, there was little research regarding best practices for spiritual formation in undergraduate online contexts. For that reason, this research project sought to identify the practices employed by CCCU faculty members in their online undergraduate courses that positively impact spiritual formation.
Administrators can collect both learning outcomes and practices related to those outcomes in order to be more intentional about spiritual formation in the online university classroom. Over the next several months, I will be conducting research aimed at building consensus among CCCU faculty regarding best practices for spiritual formation in online undergraduate programs. Additionally, your participation will provide you with full access to research findings regarding online spiritual formation best practices among CCCU faculty.
ROUND 1 SURVEY
How do you concretely promote the practice of various spiritual disciplines in your online students. How do you specifically encourage stewardship of resources (ie time, money, gifts, vocations, etc.) in your online students. How do you concretely instill a love for the local and global church in your online students.
How concretely do you encourage the practice of gospel witness, biblical justice, and reconciliation in your online students. How concretely do you encourage the outward expression of spiritual growth in your online learners.
ROUND 2 SURVEY
How important are the following items when it comes to rooting your online students in the Bible?. How important are the following items when it comes to connecting your online students with the historic Christian tradition of spiritual formation?. How important are the following items in relation to fostering an awareness of the human condition in your online students?
How important are the following items when it comes to emphasizing life transformation, starting with conversion, in your online students? How important are the following items when it comes to fostering love of God and others in your online students? How important are the following items in regards to promoting selfless service in your online students.
How important are the following items in relation to addressing whole person development (mind, body and soul) in your online students? How important are the following items when it comes to encouraging the communal and relational nature of spiritual formation in your online students? How important are the following items when it comes to promoting the practice of various spiritual disciplines in your online students?
How important are the following items when it comes to encouraging stewardship of resources (ie time, money, gifts, career, etc.) in your online learners? How important are the following points when it comes to cultivating the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit in your online learners?. How important are the following points when it comes to instilling love for the local and global church in your online learners?
How important are the following points when it comes to encouraging the practice of evangelical witness, biblical justice, and reconciliation in your online students? How important are the following points when it comes to encouraging the renewal and transformation of the minds of your online students? How important are the following points when it comes to encouraging the outward expression of spiritual growth in your online students?
SURVEY RELIABILITY ANALYSIS SUMMARY
