Friends University Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation & Leadership

Master of Arts in CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL FORMATION & LEADERSHIP

Master of Arts in CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL FORMATION & LEADERSHIP You will learn…

The Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership (MCSFL) is designed as a personal growth, academic and professional program for both lay people and those in professional ministry. Students will receive the tools and resources for developing a framework for spiritual formation while building a stronger theological foundation.

You will improve your skills…

Students in the program will grow deeper in their relationship with God and with other like-minded Christians. This occurs through transformational teaching, soul training exercises and group processing.

Distinctive features of the degree...

• Students will have the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field of Christian Spiritual Formation. Distinguished faculty members researching and authoring in the field include Dr. James Bryan Smith, Dr. Scot McKnight, Jan Johnson, Dr. Keith Matthews, Dr. Curt Thompson and Shane Claiborne.

• The MCSFL follows a hybrid design (18 credits online, 15 credits via residency) and is founded on the teachings of Dr. Dallas Willard and Dr. James Bryan Smith’s Triangle of Transformation.

• The program strikes a healthy balance between academic rigor and experiential learning.

Student backgrounds include...

• Pastors • Church Staff • Para-Church Ministry Leaders • Laity

Program outcomes • Demonstrate a deeper understanding of Christian spiritual formation through rhythms and practices, leading to a Christ-centered, with-God life.

• Demonstrate an approach to building vibrant, sustainable spiritual formation in various ministry contexts.

• Demonstrate the ability to cultivate community with people from various backgrounds through real, long-term relationships.

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

Learn more: friends.edu/mcsfl

FAQ How long will it take to complete the degree?

The 33-credit program will take two years to complete, starting every fall and ending in the spring.

Notable faculty Keas Keasler, Assistant Professor of Christian Spiritual Formation and MCSFL Program Director, has his B.A. from Baylor University, M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and is pursuing a Ph.D. from the Free University of Amsterdam. Keasler has done extensive work in the areas of spiritual formation and missiology, presented at various conferences around the country, and serves on the board of the Ecclesia Network, a missional network of churches and leaders in North America. He also has a deep love for the global church, having traveled and done mission work in more than 40 countries and taught on six continents.

Dr. James Bryan Smith, Associate Professor of Religion and Executive Director of the Apprentice Institute, has his B.A. from Friends University, his M.Div. from Yale University Divinity School and his D.Min. from Fuller Seminary. He is a theology professor in the MCSFL program and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He is the author of eight books, most notably The Apprentice Series (InterVarsity Press), which continue to shape the work of the Apprentice Institute. Dr. Smith’s other titles include Devotional Classics (with Richard J. Foster), Embracing the Love of God, Room of Marvels and Hidden in Christ.

APPLY NOW Application requirements In addition to the requirements stated under the Graduate Admissions Policy, the requirements for admission to the MCSFL are as follows: • Baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

• Two letters of recommendation, any combination of personal or professional.

• Completion of the program intake process and written approval of admission by the Program Director after review of the admission requirements.

How to apply Apply online at apply.friends.edu or send your application and fee to the address below.

Request an official transcript from the institution granting your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts ordered online should be sent to learn@friends.edu. Paper transcripts should be mailed to:

Is the degree accredited?

Yes. All Friends University undergraduate and graduate degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

TESTIMONIALS “What really impressed and surprised me is what the program taught me about community and how we go about growing in community – it’s Jesus’ idea for the way we should live.”

-Barb Shaw Student “The curriculum, based on Jim Smith’s Apprentice Series creates unique learning opportunities for participants. Jim Smith, with Apprentice Institute and the Apprentice Experience, is in my estimation one of the brightest lights in the whole movement. I recommend this program for both those in ministry or for those who simply want to deepen their walk with the Lord.”

- Dr. Scot McKnight Instructor

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Our graduate programs will take you beyond the typical educational experience. Our degrees enable you to be a leader no matter where your career takes you. In sum, at Friends University we offer a unique experience and relevant education, and we

Friends University Adult Recruitment 2100 W. University Ave. Wichita, KS 67213

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can be a great fit for you.

Dr. David Hofmeister, Dean, College of Adult and Professional Studies and the Graduate School

Contact us: adultrecruitment@friends.edu | 877-857-5424

Wichita Main Campus and Online Learning 2100 W. University Ave. | Wichita, Kansas 67213 316-295-5300 | 877-857-5424

Kansas City Education Center 6300 Glenwood St., Ste. 100 | Overland Park, Kansas 66202 913-233-8700 | 800-794-6945, ext. 8700 adultrecruitment@friends.edu | friends.edu Friends University does not discriminate against academically qualified students on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this policy: EEOC/Title IX Coordinator, Friends University, 2100 W. University Ave., Wichita, KS 67213, (316) 295-5000. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604; www.ncahlc.org; 1-800-621-7440.