An exploration of the place of discernment in the life of the Christian and of the church, including such topics as attending to the Spirit, and developing individual and communal discernment practices.

An overview of Christian spirituality and spiritual formation including historical background, foundational issues, and current movements including such topics as the nature of Christian experience, transformation, and caring.

An investigation into how the Bible presents spiritual formation and how the Bible can be employed in spiritual formation, including such topics as worship, Bible study, and lectio divina.

A theoretical and practical review of dyadic relationships such as mentoring, discipleship, and spiritual direction that play a critical role in spiritual formation. This integrative course explores Christian spiritual formation in community, providing a theoretical and practical review of the relational and communal context of Christian formation. This includes an examination of the identity, structures and practices of Christian community. It also explores historic Christian disciplines and relationships to cultivate a theologically reflective practice of Christian discipleship. Includes application of learning to ministry.

Students will develop a biblically grounded and informed spiritual formation model and describe it with words, image and/or diagram. Students will learn the components of a spiritual formation model, be able to identify spiritual formation models in Christian history and Scriptures, and other forms of stories. They will also develop a theological foundation for their own models. The model will be a chapter in the research portfolio and will provide a thematic bridge to the field research project.

Examination of specific topics in spiritual formation.

Provides an integrated study of the Christian life and the development of personal character shaped by the values and virtues of God's kingdom. Includes an examination of conceptual frameworks and major categories in spiritual theology, as well as understanding and practicing the classical spiritual disciplines. There is an additional cost for the mandatory, two-day spiritual retreat. Limited enrollment.

Provides a personal spiritual growth experience through a theological understanding of the essentials of spiritual formation; exploring major traditions of the Christian discipline; and active participation in the life of Christ, even in suffering, so that one is being formed into the image of Christ. The Sermons of the Mount and Mission (Matthew 5 to 10) will be foundational biblical text for the study. The discipline of spiritual formation and the direction it can bring to the body of Christ today will also be considered. Offered in Chinese.