Beyond Dialogue: Exploring Collaborative Strategies for Spiritual Development in the Synodal Context

Abstract

This research analyzes the effectiveness of the Synodal Consultation Program, which is designed to promote the spiritual growth of young learners in the Center for Religious Education. The program emphasizes collaboration, communication, and attentive listening through small-group discussions and faculty mentoring, all of which are aimed at helping young people find personal meaning and purpose within their faith. The study is significant because it investigates how young people themselves perceive and evaluate their spiritual growth, which is an area that has been largely ignored in previous research. It also addresses the unique challenges that young people face when trying to navigate their faith in the face of contemporary pressures toward secularization. To gather feedback from students, the study used a mixed-methods approach that combined surveys and focus groups. Qualitative interviews with participants and facilitators are recommended for future research to provide a deeper context and understanding of the program's long-term impact on individual experiences. This study provides a valuable framework for educators and researchers to assess and support spiritual development in young people amidst a changing social and religious landscape.