Why Knowledge Isn't Enough: Spiritual Formation for Ministry | Jeff Sajdak

Formation matters because knowledge and skill alone are not enough. In this conversation, Jeff Sajdak, Dean of Student, joins Phillip Palacios, Director of Communications, to reflect on Christian formation, community, and what it means to be shaped in Christ for ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary. Drawing on years of pastoral experience and more than a decade serving students, Jeff explores why theological education must attend not only to the head and hands, but to the heart. You’ll hear why spiritual formation happens most deeply in community, how practices like worship, prayer, Scripture reading, and even shared meals and play shape character, and why ill-formed leaders can cause real harm despite strong knowledge or skills. Recorded during Calvin Theological Seminary’s 150th anniversary, this interview connects formation to the church’s confession, especially the communion of saints, and to the Reformed conviction that all of life belongs to God. The conversation invites viewers to consider how seminary life forms leaders who bear the fruit of the Spirit and serve the church with humility, love, and faithfulness. In this video, you’ll hear about: Why formation is more than education or training The difference between formation and malformation Spiritual practices that shape Christlike character Community as a core context for discipleship How Calvin Seminary approaches formation in the Reformed tradition 🎧 This conversation is part of The Forum Podcast, a production of Calvin Theological Seminary. #SpiritualFormation #TheologicalEducation #ReformedTheology #ChristianLeadership #StudentLife #CalvinSeminary #ForumPodcast ------ Calvin Seminary Website - https://calvinseminary.edu/ Programs Overview - https://calvinseminary.edu/seminary-p... Admissions Overview - https://calvinseminary.edu/admissions/ The Forum Platform - https://theforum.calvinseminary.edu/