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Spiritual Formation Ministry

SPIRITUAL FORMATION MINISTRY

What is Spiritual Formation?

Spiritual Formation is the process of growing in Christ-likeness through various Spiritual Disciplines. Generally, these disciplines encompass four key areas: (i) Prayer, (ii) Scripture Reading, (iii) Retreats, and (iv) Spiritual Direction. Through these practices, we seek to recognize and experience the work of the Holy Spirit, pursuing the development of Christ-like character.

Ministry Programs & Descriptions

1. Sweet Home Solitude Retreat

  • Time:​ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Flexible upon request)
  • Assembly Point:​ Pak Sha Wan Public Pier, Sai Kung
  • Content:
    • Morning:​ Teaching on the theology and practice of retreat—What is a retreat? and How do we retreat?
    • Afternoon:​ Introduction to a prayer and meditation exercise.
    • Core Focus:​ Experiencing retreat firsthand.
    • (Morning Session: 1.5 hrs / Afternoon Session: 1.5 hrs)
    • Participants are required to bring their own drinks and simple snacks (enough for 1–2 persons). Lunch will be shared in a "Love Feast" style.
  • Capacity:
    • Pastors & Full-time Ministry Staff: Minimum 4 persons
    • Other Groups: Minimum 6 persons
  • Offering:​ HK150(includesHK30 round-trip water taxi fare)
  • Speaker’s Honorarium:​ Welcome to give a freewill offering.

2. Sweet Sailing Retreat

  • Time:​ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Assembly Point:​ Pak Sha Wan Public Pier, Sai Kung
  • Content:
    • Morning:​ Sailing through the Sai Kung waters, enjoying God’s creation.
    • Afternoon:​ Worship and nature-based prayer meditation.
  • Capacity:​ 8–10 persons (Minimum 8 to commence)
  • Offering:​ HK$600
    • Special Offer: Buy 1 Get 1 Free​ for Pastors, Full-time Church Staff, and Christian Ministry Workers (2 pax).
  • Note:​ Mobile phone use is discouraged during the afternoon silence. Please bring your own simple lunch, Bible, notebook, and pen.

3. Nature Retreat

  • Time:​ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Flexible upon request)
  • Venue:​ Sai Kung / Sha Tin / Outlying Islands (Custom venues welcome)
  • Content:
    • Morning:​ Teaching on the theology and practice of retreat.
    • Afternoon:​ Introduction to a prayer and meditation exercise.
    • Core Focus:​ Experiencing retreat firsthand.
    • (Morning Session: 1.5 hrs / Afternoon Session: 1.5 hrs)
  • Note:​ Mobile phone use is discouraged during the silence. Please bring your own simple lunch, Bible, notebook, and pen.

4. Spirituality Workshop

  • Lectio Divina (Praying with Scripture)

    • FAQ: What is Lectio Divina?

      Also popularly translated as "Prayerful Reading" or "Spiritual Reading." It is a method of engaging with the Word of God through four movements: Reading​ (Lectio), Meditation​ (Meditatio), Prayer​ (Oratio), and Contemplation​ (Contemplatio). This was a traditional Jewish practice for reading Scripture, adopted by the early Christians and passed down through the centuries as a way to draw near to God.

    • Content:​ Understanding the origins of Lectio Divina, mastering the 4 steps, and practicing quieting the mind, body, and spirit.
    • Time Requirement:
      • Minimum: Two 90-minute sessions within 4 weeks.
      • Recommended: Five 90-minute sessions within 10 weeks (can be combined with Calligraphy Spiritual Practice).
  • Calligraphy Spiritual Practice

    • FAQ: What is Calligraphy Spiritual Practice?

      It is a time of drawing near to God through Chinese calligraphy. It engages the mind, heart, eyes, and hands. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we experience God’s presence. The beauty and function of calligraphy serve to purify the heart, connecting us with God and allowing us to savor the sweetness and glory of His Word.

      [Source: Principal Calvin Lo (Calligrapher, Educator, and Spiritual Director), Newsletter of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Chinese Culture, Issue 66]

    • Content:​ Learning the 4S framework of calligraphy spirituality, quieting exercises, and practicing copying Scripture using Lectio Divina or the Prayer of Examen.
    • Time & Venue:​ Minimum 2 hours required; venue must have adequate space for writing.
  • Imaginative Scripture Praying
    • (Details to be provided)
  • Prayers of Intention

    • FAQ: What are Prayers of Intention?

      A morning prayer exercise designed by Dr. John Coe (Director of the Institute of Spiritual Formation, BIOLA University). It involves consciously opening one's heart to God at the start of each day to cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

    • Content:​ Learning four directions of prayer and practicing quieting exercises.
    • Time Requirement:​ Minimum two 75-minute sessions within 4 weeks.
  • Prayer of Examen (Awareness Examen)

    • FAQ: What is the Prayer of Examen?

      A daily practice of reviewing the day to enhance self-awareness regarding life details and emotional fluctuations. It cultivates a heart of gratitude for moments of grace and seeks God’s mercy for upcoming challenges or needs.

    • Content:​ Understanding the origins of the Examen, mastering the 5 steps, and practicing quieting exercises.
    • Time & Venue:​ Minimum 90 minutes required; venue must allow for quiet reflection.
  • GER Retreat Mode

    • FAQ: What is a Retreat?

      "Making space in my life for God alone." — Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook.

    • Why Retreat?

      We retreat because we need to "re-treat" our lives... because we are weary and need rest... or because we face major life decisions and need to seek God. Ultimately, we retreat because our lives find their proper place only in returning to the Creator, as Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

    • Content:​ Understanding the GER model—the 3 Gifts (G), the 3 Processes (E), and the 3 Goals (R) of a retreat.
    • Time Requirement:​ Minimum 90 minutes.
  • Roadmap to Meditation

    • FAQ: What is Meditation?

      Meditation is a precious part of devotion—a moment where God speaks into the heart. The "heart" is the core of our being, housing our thoughts, emotions, and spirit. Ideal meditation is interactive: God speaks into our heart, and our heart responds to His Word, resulting in a beautiful divine-human encounter. Learning to meditate fosters intimacy with God and promotes healthy spiritual growth.

    • Content:​ Introduction to 8 different approaches to meditation and practicing quieting exercises.
    • Time Requirement:​ Minimum 90 minutes.

5. Spiritual Direction

For more information, please visit:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V16bYEbHGLhusFZlavBDfQLKEh_5A6mC/view

6. Ministry Pastor

Pastor Echo Cheng

(1) Pastoral Ministry

  • Pastor, Yan Tin Mun Peace Evangelical Church (Sept 2015 – June 2018)
  • Freelance Pastor (July – Dec 2018)
  • Life Front Line Sailing Ministry (Jan 2019 – Present)
  • Adjunct Spiritual Director, Hong Kong Bible Society (2020 – Present)

(2) Spiritual Direction

  • BIOLA Institute of Spiritual Formation (2014 – 2015)
  • Yan Tin Mun Peace Evangelical Church (2015 – June 2018)
  • Freelance Spiritual Director (July 2018 – Present)

(3) Registered Social Worker

  • Social Welfare Department, HKSAR (1995 – 2012)
  • Freelance Social Worker (2012 – Present)