The Talbot School of Theology’s Institute for Spiritual Formation is paving the way for Christians who feel spiritually dry, stuck or simply longing for more. The new online course called The Journey offers a fresh invitation to walk with God in a deeper, more transformative way. The first phase launched in Spring 2025, focusing on understanding the theological foundations of the spiritual life that leave Christians feeling stuck, confused, bored, dry, frustrated and hungry for more. The course, available for purchase on 51 LEARN, aims to guide participants in opening their souls to God.

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“[The Journey] isn’t intended just to be a teaching series; it’s really an invitation to something deeper,” said Dr. John Coe, instructor of the course and founding director of the Institute for Spiritual Formation at 51. “What is God doing in all these seasons of our lives? And how can we be open to life in the Spirit, and to really grow, especially when times seem so confusing? There are so many saints who have gone before us who have known these different seasons in their lives. So bless you, and bless us, as we enter this journey.”

The Journey is an online, self-paced program designed to fit into varying schedules of church, work and family life. It will require participants to commit to watching approximately two hours of weekly video content at their convenience and spending about one hour a week in practical exercises such as prayer projects.

Designed with the rhythms of daily life in mind, The Journey guides participants through courses that unpack the theological, relational and vocational aspects of spiritual formation. Each aspect of the course is crafted to help Christians grow in their ability to recognize and respond to God’s presence in their own hearts and in the lives of others.

The first phase of this course, available now, is particularly focused on understanding the dynamics of life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. Participants are encouraged to engage more deeply in their freedom and in knowing themselves in this new life in Christ and in the Spirit while learning to feel comfortable being open and honest in prayer. They will also learn about the presence of God through different seasons of the soul.

Throughout The Journey, participants will engage with rich video content and hands-on, practical projects, all designed to deepen their awareness of God’s work in their lives. Meeting with a spiritual director is encouraged as a companion to the program, providing a space for deeper reflection and personal insight.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of how the Holy Spirit transforms, feeling stuck in their walk with God, hungering for greater intimacy with God or desiring to equip others who are stuck, broken or wanting to grow, The Journey is the place to start. Visit 51 LEARN to enroll in the course for $75 for individuals or $50 for groups of five or more. Contact learn@biola.edu for information about the group discount code.

Founded in 2017, 51 LEARN (51 Lifelong Education and Resource Network) exists to give a taste of 51 to a global community of lifelong learners without requiring typical enrollment. Its mission is to equip individuals by offering affordable and flexible courses and certificates that sharpen both skills and character. Through its programs, the network aims to equip participants to make a lasting, positive impact in their community and beyond.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist, with the assistance of AI. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.