Spiritual Formation

A critical examination of various principles of interpretation through the book of Acts intentionally engaging in missiological, pastoral, and historical-grammatical contextual analysis. Students will learn both general and specific hermeneutical principles necessary to acquire and apply scriptural insights to various contexts.

A survey of Christian Doctrine and Theology based on historical, theological, and philosophical inquiry with special emphasis on the first six centuries of the church. Students will learn to navigate theological categories and controversies with special emphasis on the articulation of core Christian doctrine and scriptural contexts.

This course outlines and analyzes the content of the many worldview systems operative in our world today from a Christian worldview rooted in Scripture. Attention is paid to the development of these worldviews over time as well as their many present applications. Students will learn how to understand and appreciate these worldviews, and how to evaluate and respond from a Christian worldview perspective.

A critical examination of the principles of missiology as seen in Scripture specifically engaging the major historical and theological perspectives on mission. Students will learn to distinguish missiological approaches with a particular emphasis given to the significance of Abrahamic covenant in Missio Dei theology.

An examination of the biblical truths that guide how spiritual practices become helpful to the spiritual journey of the individual and groups. Students will learn why spiritual practices are important, how they can be approached healthily and unhealthily, and how to apply certain spiritual practices for specific seasons of the spiritual journey.

A critical examination of self-awareness and its relation to identity using Scripture, ancient and modern texts, assessment tools, and personality profiles. Students will learn spiritual practices that focus on deepening self-awareness, unearthing their identity in Christ, and how this impacts Christian community.

A study of the major spiritual traditions in Christian history with special attention on integrating their concerns, foundations, and methods for contemporary disciple-making. Students will be introduced to major figures in the history of Christian spirituality and will apply their concepts to issues in spiritual formation today.

A synthesis of various issues and traditions of Christian spiritual formation into the liturgical practices of a local community. Students will utilize biblical foundations, historical practices, and insights in group dynamics to imagine a fellowship that leads to personal spiritual maturity.

A critical approach to the nature and development of the spiritual journey, with special attention to helpful and unhelpful responses to God’s work in the life of the Christian. Students will learn how to articulate, tend to, and build a framework for the work of the Spirit in their own lives and in the lives of those they companion.

A study of how the content and various genres of Scripture define and shape models for spiritual formation. Students will craft a bibliological foundation for discipleship, as they integrate the message and form of Scripture with historical and contemporary concerns in Christian spirituality.

An examination of the effect of models of divine authority on the formation of identity: the meaning, relationships, and purpose of the human person. Students will use Scripture and ancient/modern literature to examine the sociological, psychological, and devotional ramifications of their understanding of the sovereignty of God.

This course will explore soul care practices and habits, as well as gain understanding of a Rule of Life. Students will experiment with different spiritual practices and habits throughout the semester and create a working Rule of Life.

A critical exploration of the lives of ancient and modern mystics found throughout Scripture and Christian history to examine their intent, practices, and lifestyle. Students will learn ways to integrate key aspects of the lives of mystics into their own and expand their understanding of the influencers of the church over the centuries and today.

An introduction to pastoral counseling as a practice of ministry and a theological bridge that connects sound theology with the best practices of psychology and counseling. Students will learn specific interventions for the common issues pastors face including (but not limited to): addictions, marital problems, divorce, sexuality issues, trauma and death. Students will learn the solution-focused counseling model with an emphasis on ethical practice, confidentiality, and the skill of referral, with special attention given to the pastor’s own need for self-care in pastoral ministry.

An exegetical study of the Gospel of Matthew based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, and theological insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on regal themes in the narrative. Students will learn to engage the socio-political contours of Matthew from a first-century perspective with special attention given to Jewish intersections in the text.

An exegetical study of the letter to the Colossians based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the Christology—“who Christ is”—and how that impacts in the first-century church and the church today. Students will learn the purposes and argument of Colossians as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

An exegetical study of first and second Thessalonians based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts. Students will learn the purposes and argument of both Thessalonian epistles with special emphasis on eschatological implications on Christian communities.

An exegetical study of Paul’s letter to the Romans based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, theological, and pastoral insights from both the Greek and English texts with special emphasis on the nature of the gospel of salvation in Christ and its impact on the shape of Christian communities in the first-century and today. Students will learn the purposes and argument of Romans as well as the details of key texts and their theological and pastoral implications.

An exegetical examination of the Apocalypse of John based on grammatical, socio-cultural, imperial-critical, and theological insights from both the Greek and English texts. Students will learn to navigate apocalyptic literature from a first-century perspective with special attention given to appropriate modern-day application.

An exegetical examination of the book of Jeremiah based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, pastoral, and theological insights from both the Hebrew and English texts. Students will learn to navigate this tragic period of Hebrew history with special emphasis on Messianic texts and God’s call to repentance amidst suffering.

An exegetical examination of the book of Daniel based on grammatical, socio-cultural, literary, pastoral, and theological insights from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and English texts. Students will learn to engage historical background and the prophetic-apocalyptic genre with special emphasis on Messianic prophecies and God’s kingdom.

A guided study where students propose, develop, and write an integrative project on a specified area of practical ministry. Students will learn to integrate theology and ministry while interacting with qualitative and quantitative research.

Prerequisite: students must have completed 60% of degree sought.