Course Description

Character is not built in the moment of crisis—it is formed in the quiet, faithful years before the giant appears. Inspired by David’s preparation before facing Goliath, this practical session introduces a 24-week journey designed to help students grow in virtue through understanding, self-assessment, habituation, friendship, and reflective action.

Marvin presents a hands-on handbook that can be used in seminaries, churches, online learning communities, and personal discipleship. Participants will discover how repeated virtuous action, accountability in character friendships, and virtue literacy can slowly reshape desires, habits, and identity—forming leaders who are ready for life and ministry.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain why character formation requires long-term, intentional practice rather than short-term instruction.
• Describe the four phases of the 24-week plan: understanding, testing, intensive practice, and evaluation.
• Use a virtue test to help students assess strengths and areas for growth in their character.
• Select one virtue at a time as the focus for intentional personal development.
• Apply the three classical tools of character education: habituation, character friendship, and virtue literacy.
• Guide learners through self-assessment with humility, sensitivity, and cultural awareness.
• Use James 1:22–25 as a framework for hearing the Word, examining oneself, acting on insight, and experiencing blessing.
• Adapt the 24-week character formation plan for formal, non-formal, online, and church-based contexts.