Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation
Dates: June 16-28, 2008
Credits: 1-4
Cost: $415/credit hour
Within an unhurried and spacious rhythm of worship, classroom and experiential learning, this summer program is a response to a need for spiritual formation, and renewing the soul of the church in our post-modern and anxious world.
Morning Courses | Afternoon Courses | Oasis | Additional Information | Tracks | Reading Lists | Schedule
Schedule
Morning courses
For all focus areas
Week One:Year 1- Spiritual Guidance in Life and Practice: Understanding Christian Formation 
Kevin Clark 1 Credit Hour 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: a biblical foundation and historical overview of spiritual formation; an understanding of spiritual discernment; and learning the practice of spiritual guidance. Click here for reading list Year 2 & 3- Healing within Spiritual Direction 1 Credit Hour Ever since Eden all of humankind lives in the “shadow of death,” a death characterized by multiple layers of loss and separation within the individual, society and creation. In this course, we will explore how as spiritual directors we can both be present to those caught in the “shadow of death,” and companion them in their awareness of God’s presence and life-giving work of rescue (salvation), restoration and transformation Click here for reading list |
Week Two:Year 1 & 2- Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritual Companion 1 Credit Hour Nurturing a life-giving rhythm and rule of life and prayer is a counter-cultural practice which companions our healing and missional engagement in the world. Click here for reading list.
Year 2 & 3 - Healing in the Congregation 
Wendy Miller1 Credit Hour Readings , discussions, listening to narratives, and prayerful reflection will assist us in discerning congregational strengths and needs, and offer us guidance for initiating a ministry response which is both spiritually formative and healing, and which assists persons to live in faithful response to the gospel in a world which seeks healing and hope Click here for reading list
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Afternoon Courses
Choose the Course(s) in your track
Youth and Young Adult TrackSpiritually Formative Teaching* 
Lana Miller2 Credit Hours
Instructors: Lana Miller and Kevin Clark This course explores various methods for teaching youth and young adults. Specifically, we will focus on facilitating classroom conversation, leading spiritual disciplines, preparing youth for baptism, writing and choosing curriculum. Click here for reading list * week one only June 16-21 |
Worship TrackHealing within Worship 
Heidi Miller Yoder Instructor: Heidi Miller Yoder This course focuses on how to create intentional healing spaces and rituals in gathered worship which facilitates an encounter with God, among the community of faith, and leads to redemption and wholeness for the sake of the world. Click here for reading list |
Congregational TrackSpiritual Direction I: Journey of the Soul This course offers us guidance as we trace stages of faith, and attend to the journey of the soul. We will be attending to discerning God’s presence and activity in the lives of persons who are exploring belief in God, desiring to follow the way of Jesus, and living in faithful response to the gospel in life. Click here for reading list. Spiritual Companioning* This class offers guidance for depth listening, reflection, spiritual discernment, and discovery in our journey as emerging spiritual directors. We will be engaging in spiritual direction conversations, and in-depth listening to verbatim * required for all students in the congregational track |
Oasis
In place of coursework, Oasis offers intentional Sabbath and space for pastors and church leaders. Participants may reserve space on campus for any of the following options for one week or two full weeks. Cost is $415 per option with no seminary credit available; continuing education units are available.
Three options for Oasis time:
1) Space for soul care and reflection, accompanied by one-on-one guidance in spiritual reading, discernment, and spiritual direction as desired
2) Choice of directed study focusing on spiritual formation subject area of personal or ministry interest
3) Home-based ministry practicum. Discernment and supervision are given to the practice of spiritual formation within chosen areas of ministry
Additional Information:
Certification in Spiritual Formation is offered to persons attending three consecutive years and doing home-based practicum work between summers. (Requires 12 credit hours)
Hospitality Fee: Two-week students $55. The additional fee pays for the hospitality of several meals, refreshments and a retreat experience.
Participation Audit Fee: Because of the level of student involvement, formational and experiential courses are not available for the standard audit. Students may take the course for participation audit, which will appear as an audit on their transcript.
To register for the next Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, contact the office of admissions at (540) 432-4260, (800) 710-7871.
or download the registration form.
