204 Graduate Course Descriptions
SF Spiritual Formation SF501 Introduction to Spiritual Formation (3) A survey that examines the theological and practical dimensions of the spiritual life. Lectures, class discussions, and small-group disciplines are used. Students are encouraged to enrich their own personal spiritual life and are given guidelines for engaging in a ministry of spiritual formation in the local church. SF502 The Spiritual Life of the Minister (3) The relationship between spirituality and ministry is studied in light of contemporary society, gifts and graces, spiritual disciplines, and ministerial functions. The goal is to equip students to function in ministry with the strengths that a sound spirituality provides. SF503 The Life of Prayer (3) Interprets and applies the biblical principle of praying without ceasing. In addition to examining various dimensions of prayer, the course also explores ways that one’s whole life can be prayerful. The course exposes students to both theoretical and practical dimensions including a small-group practicum component. SF505 Scripture and Spiritual Formation (3) Builds upon the premise that the Word which became flesh (John 1:14) also became “text” to provide a place of transforming encounter with God so that the Word might become flesh in us for the sake of the world. The purpose of the course is to enable students: to engage the Scripture in ways that fulfill this statement, to nurture others in this experience with Scripture, and to incarnate the Word in the multifaceted and diverse cultures of the world. Prerequisite: BT501 or NT520 or OT520. SF550 Tutorial in Spiritual Formation (1-3) For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of introductory study in spiritual formation. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated. SF560 Christian Spirituality: Thomas Merton (3) Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, was one of the foremost Roman Catholic thinkers in the latter part of the twentieth century. This course studies Merton’s concepts of spirituality with special focus on prayer and solitude, contemplation and the cross, obedience and social responsibility. SF599 Independent Study in Spiritual Formation (1-3) Guided, independent, introductory research in spiritual formation. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.
2012-2013 Academic Catalog
SF601 The Ministry of Spiritual Guidance (3) Designed to explore the meaning of spiritual guidance (direction) as well as some of the issues and themes that are often involved in such a ministry. Participants are expected to meet together for mutual spiritual direction during the semester and, at the end of the semester, to reflect upon some of the issues and dynamics they have experienced through that process. Lectures, videotapes, discussions, and practical exercises are utilized. The course is designed to be formational as well as informational. SF602 Intentional Ministry for Spiritual Formation in the Local Church (3) Built upon the premise that Christian spiritual formation takes place within the context of the Church, the body of Christ. Starting from the perspective of the pastor as a “living reminder” (Nouwen), participants examines how aspects of life together can be developed to foster intentional spiritual formation. Some areas for possible exploration include growing groups, designing retreats, discovering gifts, discerning God’s guidance, encouraging spiritual friendship, and writing letters of spiritual counsel. The course utilizes lectures, discussion, video, and (when possible) field trips. SF/CD/CL613 The Theology and Practice of Equipping the Laity (3) Lays the foundation for a lay revolution within and beyond the local church. Using Ephesians 4 as a base, students flesh out the paradigm of pastor as equipper/ coach and laity as unpaid servants engaged in the work of the ministry. In many ways, the delineation between laity and clergy is minimized in favor of a model emphasizing the ministry of the whole people of God. Addresses such issues as assimilation, leadership development, and discipling disciplers. SF625 Theology and Spiritual Formation (3) Provides a strong theological foundation for faithful incarnation of the Revelation of Christ into consonant daily living. The class emphasizes that the great primary doctrines of Christian theology must not merely inform, but also give form to and transform everyday living. Attention is placed upon understanding the bond between theology and spirituality and on the call to articulate Christian praxis and ministry as flowing from sound theological doctrine. This course will assist students in their development of a systematic Christian spirituality.