CLF Fall 14 Viewbook

Christian Life Formation Fall 2014 CLF is a partnership between the departments of \ Christian Thought and Faith and Mission

The CHRISTIAN LIFE FORMATION program is a series of specially crafted courses designed to help students learn and grow in a whole-life frame of reference to become what God created them to be.

They are designed to introduce students to learning resources that can be useful beyond their college years, to engage students in new forms of study and reflection, to assist them in building their capacity to learn from the people around them, and to point to the fact that all experiences under God, from the mundane to the transcendent, are opportunities to learn and grow.

Foundations of the

Christian Life A fundamental study of Christianity within a small group experience led by upperclassmen and faculty/staff for new students. These conversation groups will consider subjects like God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, prayer, the church and fellowship.

Groups will use Francis Chanʼs BASIC video series.

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Course fee: $75 For incoming students Course #: CT101 11:00-11:50am on Thursdays Professor: Mr. Jonathan Doran

Applied

Christian Leadership Designed for students in active leadership to explore the idea and implications of Christian leadership from a biblical and experiential perspective. Attention will be given to nurturing leadership that seeks kingdom flourishing. This course includes a national conference.

• Course fee: $195 • Course fee includes conference registration, transportation, and hotel.

Meals will be the studentsʼ responsibility.

• Instructor approval required • Course is repeatable • Course #: CT 203 • This course includes a required conference • Conference dates: October 1-3 • Professor: Dr. Scott Jones and Mr. Tim Shetter

The in

Gospel Cultural Life

Students will explore the relevance of the Gospel to culture through a consideration of cultural realities in Italy. Students will investigate the spiritual, cultural and social opportunities, challenges and needs present in modern day Italy. They will reflect on the dual nature of Italy arising from the tension between what some have called “the dark heart of Italy” as well as “la dolce vita” (the sweet life). Methods of instruction will include readings, discussion groups, lectures, field trips and interviews. Offered as part of the Italy semester.

• Offered exclusively for the Italy Abroad semester at Saints Bible Institute Course #: CT 205 • • Professor: Mr. Samuel Spatola

Special Topics:

Christians in the

City

Cities play a unique role throughout scripture and the mission of God as places of culture, commerce and communities.

Prophets are sent to cities throughout scripture and Jesus goes to the city of Jerusalem for his final week. Today, Christians occupy key roles in the city as they seek to obey Godʼs mission in a variety of ways. This course consists of a required field experience in Atlanta, and will focus on the creative ways in which God is moving through His people in the city.

• Course fee: $195 • Course fee includes retreat costs, transportation, and hotel. Meals will be the studentsʼ responsibility.

• Course #: CT 290 • Retreat location: Plywood People, Atlanta, plywoodpeople.com • Retreat dates: • Professor: Mr. Jason Glen with host Jeff Shinabarger

Readings in

Classic

Christian Spirituality An examination of various authors and literary works that have proven historically significant in shaping the spiritual theology and practice of the church and the Christian.

This year we will be reading selections from Thomas Aquinasʼ Summa Theologica and Augustineʼs City of God The format for this course will be small group reading circles.

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Course #: CT 301 11:00-11:50am on Tuesdays Professor: Mr. Ben Norquist Reading group format Selections from Aquinasʼ Summa Theologica and Augustineʼs City of God

Incarnational Living in

Local

Community This course develops a theology for understanding how the good news is uniquely incarnated in a local community through the winsome activity of the Church. Special attention is given to how the life of Christ provides a model for how we should relate to our locality, whether thatʼs our city, our neighborhood, our town, or our block.

Emphasis will be placed on developing a practical method for discovering and participating in local movements of the Gospel. This course consists of a required conference on September 24-27.

• Course fee: $195 • Course fee includes conference registration, transportation, and hotel. Meals will be the studentsʼ responsibility.

• For students who want to make a difference among the underprivileged • Course #: CT305 • This course includes a required conference • Conference dates: September 24-27 • Professors: Mr. Bruce Morgan and Mr. Ben

Special Topics:

Prayer and the

the

Life of

Believer

What does scripture have to say about our prayers? How does prayer move a sovereign God to act? What is the nature of prayer? Does prayer change the person? How should we expect to hear Godʼs responses to our prayers?

This course will focus on scripture relevant to the topic, the actual practice of prayer, and on building a practical discipline of prayer in our lives.

• For students who want to explore the depths of how Godʼs views our prayers • Course #: CT 290 • 11:00-11:50am on Thursdays • Professor: TBD

Contemporary Issues:

Faith and

Finances What is the meaning of stewardship as Christians? How should we approach the use of our money as followers of the Jesus?

What do Jesusʼ parables about money have to teach us today? This course will be an introduction to Biblical principles for personal financial management and will deal with practical issues such as managing debt, spending responsibly, strategies for saving, and how giving as a spiritual discipline can produce joy.

• For students who want to start the critical process of getting financial wisdom for post-college life.

• Course #: CT 401 • 11:00-11:50am on Thursdays • Professor: Dr. Phil Lestmann

Worldview and

Life

In this capstone course, seniors will spend time preparing for life after college. These preparations are designed to help soon-to-be graduates navigate unexpected life complexities associated with life-after-college, complexities surrounding areas like family, church life, singleness and marriage, sexuality, debt, establishing a home, graduate school, jobs, and citizenship. Students will apply the progress and learning made during their Bryan years to the development of personal plans for their future.

• Required for graduation, fall section is for seniors graduating in December or who wonʼt be able to take it in the spring Course #: CT 402 • • 11:00-11:50am on Tuesdays • Professor: Dr. Paul Boling

ENROLL in CLF classes through academic registration.

Course fees, if applicable, will be added to your standard school bill.

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Contact the relevant professors or Ben Norquist at ben.norquist@bryan.edu.

THANK YOU to the creative and dedicated professors who teach these courses. They make the Christian Life Formation program valuable.