Trained but Untransformed: Rethinking Spiritual Formation in Theological Education

For years, church leadership scandals have made us ask: Are seminary students being trained but untransformed? In this episode of Faith on the Road, we sit with Dr. David Wang, Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders and Professor of Psychology and Spiritual Formation at Fuller Seminary, to talk about spiritual formation—why theological education as it currently stands often falls short, how trauma shapes students and clergy, and why lament belongs at the center of worship.

Dr. Wang draws from his global research and experience to offer a vision of formation that is holistic, relational, and incarnational—one that takes both spiritual and human development seriously. This conversation is a timely reminder that theological education is about more than training minds; it’s about transforming lives.

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Scholar Leaders is honored to be a partner in the Global Formation Project. Learn more about the project, meet the partners, and explore publications & resources here.