Clf viewbook s14

clf Spring 2014

Christian Life Formation is a partnership between the Departments of Christian Thought and Faith and Mission

CT 102 Foundations of the Christian Church 11:00am to 11:50am on Tuesdays and Thursdays until March 4 Dr. Scott Jones

What is the Church? Is it relevant for today? Do I have to be part of a local Church to be a Christian? My friends pray together, eat together and live together – does this count as Church? This course is a biblical and historical examination of the purpose of the Church as the Body of Christ in Godʟs plan for the world. Student will explore the mission of the local Church, the place of the Christian within the Church, and its relevance for today.

A focused study on the purpose and unity of the church.

Reading from Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion by DeYoung, Kevin.

CT 205 ST: The Gospel in Cultural Life Offered exclusively through the Italy study abroad program Mr. Samuel Spatola

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.

This CLF course is offered only for the Italy Study Abroad program See the course video

CT 290 ST: Corinthians: The Courage, Wisdom, and Holiness of Manhood An intensive-format course held March 21 through 23 Mr. Jonathan Doran For men only Course fee: $135

This retreat-format course for men will explore themes in Paulʼs letters to the Corinthians and how they are applicable to the spiritual growth of men. The course will be held at Camp Wesley Woods in the Smokey Mountains and students will be joined by professor Jonathan Doran and guest teachers David Wiley (Brainerd Baptist Church), Chad Holtz (Mtn. View UMC).

Retreat-format course with professor Jonathan Doran and guests David Wiley and Chad Holtz.

Readings from The Utter Relief of Holiness by John Eldredge

CT 291 ST: The Gospel and the Glory of God An intensive-format course held April 8 through 10 Dr. Scott Jones Course fee: $195

While many view the Good News of Jesus as foolishness, the Gospel scriptures themselves and the lives of Christians throughout history tell the story of its great power and attractive beauty. This intensiveformat course will explore the centrality of the Gospel message to life, in confrontation to both an apathetic culture and the doubts and weaknesses present in our own lives. This course will take place at the Unashamed Conference at the KFC Center in Louisville, Kentucky on April 8 through 10.

An intensive format course held at the Unashamed Conference See the conference video

Conference speakers: • Mark Dever • David Platt • John Piper • Kevin DeYoung

• Thabiti Anyabwile • Matt Chandler • Albert Mohler • Ligon Duncan

CT 292 ST: Making Disciples: Evangelism and Discipleship in the Christian Life 11:00am to 11:50am on Tuesdays Mr. Jonathan Doran

Have you ever felt uncomfortable when talking about the Christian faith? Not sure what to say? What does it mean to "Go and make disciples? How are evangelism and discipleship similar and different? This course is designed to explore and discuss the significance of evangelism and discipleship within the Christian's life.

You will learn how to share your faith with confidence and compassion as well as discipling others in the Word.

Students will learn how to share their faith with confidence and compassion Readings from The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight, Holy Conversation:Talking About God in Everyday Life by Richard Peace, and Growing Up

by Robby Gallaty.

CT 302 Readings in Contemporary Christian Spirituality With a Focus on Technology and Society 11:00am to 11:50am on Thursdays Mr. Jason Glen

In an age of technological progress, who are we? What are we becoming? In this class we will explore the complexities of translating a biblical view of the image of God in a cultural context that increasingly drives us to find fulfillment online and in our interaction with digital technology. We will explore how technology and online social platforms are affecting our sexual, physical, social, religious, and spiritual identity. All the while, we will seek to discern a way forward that honors our identity in Christ.

A focused study on themes of technology and society with Mr. Jason Glen Readings from Habits of the High-Tech Heart by Quentin Schultze and Alone Together by Sherry Turkle

CT 304 Life in Intentional Christian Community Weekly class sessions from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Wednesdays with a required field experience held March 5 through 16 with Dr. Matt Benson Course fee: $1800 By invitation only

This field-based course is designed to explore the unique expressions and ideologies of international Christian communities such as L始Abri. Special attention will be given to lived values that equip believers to live more faithfully and holistically. This course is by application and involves a field experience at an intentional Christian community.

A field based course held at the L始Abri Community in the English countryside See the English L始Abri video

CT 306 Social Justice and the Gospel An intensive-format course held April 3-5 in Washington D.C. Course fee: $195; Mr. Ben Norquist

Students will explore the intersection between social justice and faithful belief and action by considering the unique Christian calling to "care for the least of these." They will deepen their understanding of poverty and injustice, while beginning to construct a personal approach to addressing these wrongs. This conference-format course takes place the the IJM Global Prayer Gathering in

Held in Washington D.C. at the IJM Global Prayer Gathering Check out last yearʼs conference video

With readings from recent chapel guests: Dr. John Perkins, Dr. Brian Fikkert, and Andy Crouch.

CT 390 ST: Redemptive Cultural Analysis An intensive-format course held January 24 through 26 Dr. Matt Benson with Marsh Moyle Course fee: $135

What is the Christian始s role in culture? Do cultures as well as people image God? Do some cultures image God more than others? What are things that help us perceive God through culture and what inhibits us from doing so?

How might we live redemptively within culture? Why does this stuff even matter?

These and a host of other questions will be what we will spend our time discussing with cultural expert, Marsh Moyle.

Retreat format course to take place in a rural setting Guest professor Mr. Marsh Moyle, missionary-in-residence at the L始Abri Community in Greatham, England

CT 391 ST: Ethnicity, Diversity and the Cross An intensive-format course held March 8-15 during Spring Break Course fee: $325 Mr. Bruce Morgan

What does it mean to be a member of the dominant ethnic group in a multi-ethnic society? Is life lived differently if you are a member of a sub-dominant ethnic group? How are followers of Christ to obey His command to love neighbors with very different backgrounds? And what does the life and death of Christ have to do with diversity? This class will explore the glories and obstacles within multi-ethnic communities, push us to understand how cultural roots affect all of us, and introduce us to local people who are living and thriving in diverse communities.

A field-based course with Dr. John Perkins and his friends in Jackson, Mississippi at the Spencer-Perkins Center Readings from Let Justice Roll Down

by Dr. John Perkins

Senior Capstone: 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 lifeafter-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.

Choose a format: Weekly:

Retreat format:

CT 402A

CT 402R

11:00am to 11:50am on Tuesdays Professor TBD

An intensive-format course held February 7 through 9 Course fee: $135 Professor TBD

ENROLL in CLF classes through academic registration. Course fees, if applicable, will be added to the standard school bill.

WA N T M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N ?

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.