Image credit: ACU Optimist
Charge to
Task Force
The Strategic Plan calls for the creation of a “holistic and integrated” effort in which spiritual formation at ACU is coordinated, facilitated, and evaluated. The Spiritual Formation Task Force is charged with developing “an intentional, sequentially designed spiritual formation journey that is culturally, developmentally, philosophically, and theologically based.” The initiative will emphasize “Scripture, community, and vocation,” and it will examine both curricular and co-curricular programs and goals.
Many Stories. One Faith.
Because spiritual formation is a pervasive phenomenon, ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than primarily the achievement of human endeavor, the goal of the University is not to “make spiritual formation happen,” but to join in God’s work to create spaces within the University context where the Spirit’s work of shaping human beings can flourish according to God’s good will. We will be encouragers and facilitators of spiritual formation more than its engines or architects. We will study best practices employed at other colleges and universities. We will assess existing programs and practices at ACU, both curricular and non-curricular. We will encourage greater collaboration and coordination among those who direct the many programs and activities already in place. We will recommend the revision or reform of those that seem not to be achieving their goals; and, based upon research and our best understanding, we will recommend new approaches that may better orient, equip, and support faculty, staff, and students in their spiritual journeys.
Meet the Task Force
Cliff Barbarick, Ph. D.
(Co-Chair)
Assistant Professor, Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry
Darryl Tippens, Ph. D.
(Co-Chair)
University Distinguished Scholar
Jason Fikes, Ph. D.
Director of ACU Press
Eric Gumm, Ed. D.
Registrar and Director of the First Year Program
Randy Harris, M. Phil.
College of Biblical Studies Spiritual Director
Houston Heflin, Ed. D.
Associate Professor, Department of Bible Missions and Ministry
Monty Lynn, Ph. D.
Associate Dean and Professor of Management
Jan Meyer, Ed. D.
Dean of Leadership Development
Janine Morgan, Ph.D.
Instructor, Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry
Amanda Pittman, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry
Ben Ries, D. Min.
Associate Dean of Vocational Formation
at ACU Online
Curtis King
Associate Director of the Siburt Institute
Strategic Plan Task Force
Jennifer Shewmaker, Ph.D.
Strategic Planning Chair
Adams Center for Teaching and Learning
Brown Library Room 256
Contact Information
325-674-2459
Jennifer.Shewmaker@acu.edu
ACU Box 29201
Abilene, TX 79699
Abilene Christian University
1600 Campus Court
Abilene, Texas 79699
Campus Operator: 325-674-2000
www.acu.edu