Forming the Ministering Person

Formation Studies (FS)

500 Formation in Personhood I
510 Formation in Personhood II

Undergirding our life and learning in seminary is an experience of being a community

of Jesus’ disciples, being formed by Christ’s Spirit into his character and image. Formation in Personhood I and II provide intentional time and space for students to pay prayerful attention to their own formational journey and to devote attention to the tasks of spiritual formation in the awareness that our life and ministry need to be guided and sustained by a deepening relationship with God. Through discussion, lectures and group interaction, students clarify their call and gifts for ministry. Faith development is nurtured through a variety of spiritual disciplines.

600 Formation in Ministry I
(Field Education) 3
610 Formation in Ministry II
(Field Education) 3

This course requires involvement in ministry under supervision and processing emerging issues in a weekly seminar. The action/reflection method of learning is used to relate the ministry activity and the classroom seminars. Case studies are used to help integrate theology and practice. Students are evaluated in the various acts of ministry. Attention is given to their vocational direction. Advanced arrangements for a ministry practicum should be made prior to the beginning of the class in consultation with the Director of Field Education.

700 Formation in Discipleship I
710 Formation in Discipleship II

This course helps students personalize their own life of discipleship and develop discipling skills. Spiritual growth is nurtured through disciplines such as a spiritual growth plan and spiritual friendship. Readiness for ministry is tested through ministry competencies, integrative response papers and group interaction. Assistance is given to the process of exploring opportunities for ministry.

520 Introduction to Spiritual Guidance

Grounded in the understanding that God in Jesus Christ is inviting us to be reconciled— to God, to ourselves, to each other, and to God’s creation—this course is designed to offer learning in three areas: first, a biblical foundation and a historical overview of spiritual guidance; second, developing an understanding of spiritual discernment—the intentional process of paying attention to God’s presence and activity in our own lives and the lives of others; and third, learning the practice of spiritual direction through experience of group and one-on-one soul care.

530 Spiritual Formation for Congregational Discernment

The kingdom of God —as seen within the biblical text and especially within the life and practice of Jesus—will offer us a graced place to stand as we discern what we bring to the spiritual discipline and art of discernment within congregational life and practice. Lectures, discussions, and prayerful reflection will assist us in discerning our root systems, our understandings of God, how we recognize God’s voice, how we discern gifts and callings, the climate for decision-making, how we reflect on our discerning, and how we live in faithful response to the gospel in all of life—within and beyond the congregation in this post-modern age.

620 Spiritual Direction Seminar and Practicum I

This course offers guidance and experiential learning for the ministry of spiritual direction. Specific attention is paid to the spiritual journey, and to the task of spiritual discernment in companioning persons as they reflect on their own experience in light of who they are called to become and what they are called to in lifelong obedience to the gospel. The Practicum offers supervised training in the ministry and art of spiritual guidance through practicing spiritual direction and peer group reflection.

630 Spiritual Direction Seminar and Practicum II 2

Lectures, guided readings, and discussion of issues arising out of giving spiritual direction to persons in stages of spiritual formation provide a setting for mutual learning. The Practicum offers supervised training in the ministry and art of spiritual direction with peer group reflection.

721 Advanced Spiritual Direction I
722 Advanced Spiritual Direction II

A directed study giving opportunity for students to develop their gifts and skills in the ministry of giving spiritual direction— in one-on-one or group/congregational settings. Readings and reflection, practice of giving spiritual direction, writing and reflection of verbatim, and meeting for supervision are required components of the course. Prerequisites: Introduction to Spiritual Guidance, Spiritual Formation for Congregational Discernment, Spiritual Direction Seminar and Practicum I and II.