Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership
Learn from distinguished faculty members
The Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership (MACSFL) is designed as a personal growth, academic and professional program for both lay people and people in professional ministry. You will receive the tools and resources for developing a framework for spiritual formation, while building a stronger theological foundation.
As an intensive, integrative program within the Apprentice Institute for Christian spiritual formation at Friends University, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field of Christian spiritual formation.
Grow Deeper
Students in the program will grow deeper in their relationship with God and with other like-minded Christians. This occurs through transformation teaching, soul training exercises and group processing.
Hybrid Design
The CSFL is a 35-credit program that follows a hybrid design (19 credits online, 16 credits via residency) and is founded on the teachings of Dallas Willard, and James Bryan Smith’s Triangle of Transformation.
Learn From the Brightest
Distinguished faculty members researching and authoring in the field include James Bryan Smith, John Mark Comer, Jan Johnson, Keas Keasler, Emily P. Freeman, A.J. Swoboda, J.R. Briggs, Tim Keel, and Deb Hirsch.
Immersive Learning
The curriculum is delivered through cohort groups of students who progress through the degree requirements sequentially, which includes online coursework, retreats, seminars and workshops.
Relationship Building
One of the most important aspects of CSFL is the relationship building through on-site retreats, small groups, conference events and online discussion forums.
Not Just Head Knowledge
Striking a balance between academic rigor and experiential learning means you will not only be using your mind, but learning from experiences and observation.
“My understanding of spirituality, how I practice my life, and how I move into the world around me has been shaped and formed in so many good ways through the CSFL program at Friends. I’m learning how to walk into a room like a leader even when I’m not in charge and that true ministry is not something we do, it’s an overflow of life with God in his kingdom.”
Emily P. Freeman, author of The Next Right Thing and CSFL graduate
“Not only does the Master’s in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership program take seriously our dire need for deeper discipleship practices, as a bi-vocational pastor, I can also attest that it delivers high-level instruction combined with exceptional value and a realistic pace that can fit even into a busy schedule. This was the program I was waiting for.”
Neal Whitlow, bi-vocational pastor and CSFL graduate
Learning Environment
Formation into a Christ-centered way of life
This program is committed to a high Christology within an orthodox theological framework. We strive to encourage formation into a Christ-centered way of life, with a view to cultivate spiritual habits and virtues. Our faculty and instructors have high respect for our common heritage and ancient Christian tradition.
It’s not all head knowledge with us. You will experience a program with academic rigor and excellence, yet practical and experiential at all levels of instruction. Each student will have access to a spiritual director during residency, and on an ongoing basis throughout the entire program.
One of the greatest components of the CSFL program is the relationships. The closed cohort format facilitates a deep sense of community and accountability. Students don’t just learn together – they “do life” together. This happens through a variety of approaches, including on-site retreats, small groups, and online discussion forums.
This program is designed to fit into your life but will require significant time in your weekly schedule. You will learn the dynamics of the Online Learning Community and the systems needed for success in the program.
Residencies for the Fall 2025 cohort will happen in Wichita on the following dates:
Nov 16-21, 2025
Apr 19-24, 2026
Sept 27-Oct 2, 2026
May 2-7, 2027
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort with a general application deadline of April 15, 2025. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please reach out to Kristin Wilson at kristin_wilson@friends.edu.
Outcomes
Demonstrate a deeper understanding of Christian spiritual formation through rhythms and practices leading to a Christ-centered, with-God life.
Demonstrate an approach to building vibrant, sustainable spiritual formation in various ministry contexts.
Demonstrate the ability to cultivate community with people from various backgrounds through real, long-term relationships.
B.A., University of Ottawa; B.Th., Newman Theological College; M.A., University of San Francisco; M.R.Sc., University of Louvain; Ph.D/STD, University of Louvain
