Eastern Mennonite University

Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation

 

Dates: June 15-26, 2009
Credits: 1-4
Cost: $432/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. Register online here. If you have not taken a class at EMS before please fill out our part-time application.

Schedule

Morning courses

For all focus areas

Choose One

Year 1- Spiritual Guidance in Life and Practice: Understanding Christian Formation

Kevin Clark Kevin Clark

1 Credit Hour
Instructor: Kevin Clark

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.

Year 2 and 3- FS 663 Spiritual Directors Peer Group

1 Credit Hour
Instructor: Wendy Miller

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.

By recommendation- FS 673 Supervision in Spiritual Direction

Wendy Miller, Director, Summer Institute Wendy Miller

1 Credit Hour
Instructor: Wendy Miller

In response to the growing need for the training of spiritual directors, this workshop is designed to equip persons who companion emerging spiritual directors. In order to tend to the foundation for this task of supervision, we will be in dialogue with spiritual theology, methodology, and contemporary readings which speak to this field of ministry. We will also engage in experiential learning accompanied by reflection.

 

 

Afternoon Courses

Choose the Course in your track

Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritual Companion

1 Credit Hour
Instructor: Kevin Clark

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.

Worship Track

Spirituality of the Lord's Supper: Ancient Practice in Contemporary Context

Heidi Miller Yoder Heidi Miller Yoder
2 Credit Hours
Instructor: Heidi Miller Yoder

This course explores the practice of the Lord's Supper within the context of worship. We will look at how God's coming in Jesus Christ and how the ongoing enlivening of the Holy Spirit is understood, encountered, and embodied in the Supper. Specific care will also be given to how to creatively celebrate the Lord's Supper in our contemporary context.

Individual/
Congregational Track

Spiritual Discernment: Discovering God in our story and discerning how God’s Story transforms our own narrative.

2 Credit Hour
Instructor: Wendy Miller and Kevin Clark

This course offers guidance and experiential learning for the ministry of spiritual direction. We will pay specific attention to the work of discernment within our own life/soul narrative, and within the stories of others as they reflect on their own lives in light of who they are called to become in life-long engagement with the gospel: doorway into God’s Great Story.

Story-Centered Youth Ministry- Cancelled

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 $432 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)

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 Register online here

 

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