DESCRIPTION: The aim of this course is to introduce, through discussion and practice, the area of Christian spirituality to future leaders ministering within the Latino context. A diversity of spiritualities found within Catholic and Protestant Latino churches will be put into conversation with the various Christian traditions of spirituality throughout the ages. Students will explore and practice a variety of spiritual disciplines.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) an increased understanding of the nature of spirituality; (2) an acquaintance with the richness of traditions in Christian spirituality; (3) basic skills or spiritual disciplines for developing and deepening an intimate relationship with the triune God; and (4) the desire to be a leader who continually nurtures his or her own life in the Spirit in the midst of ministry demands.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Lay leaders and clergy alike long for intimacy with God, while at the same time there is much conversation about the nature of spirituality. These factors take on a specific flavor in Latino communities. Those involved in ministry with and to this community must be able to participate effectively in this conversation, guide others as they seek to follow the spiritual way, as well as nurture their own spiritual health within their ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session, for a mixture of lecture, discussion, media, and practice of the spiritual disciplines. Each student will also participate in a half-day retreat on Sat., Oct. 15 (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) and a Taizé service on Fri., Nov. 4 (6:30 p.m-9:30).

REQUIRED READING:

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Vida en comunidad. La Aurora, 1966. (122 pp.)

Foster, Richard. Alabanza a la disciplina. Editorial Betania, 1986. (220 pp.)

Gutiérrez, Gustavo. Beber en su propio pozo. Sigueme, 1985. (181 pp.)

MacDonald, Gordon. Ponga orden en su mundo interior. Editorial Caribe, 1989. (173 pp.)

Roldan, Alberto. La espiritualidad que deseamos. Publicaciones Alianza, 2003. (154 pp.)

Smith, G. Seguir a Jesús: Dios nos invita a un discipulado transformador. World Vision, 2001. (96 pp.)

Course Reader.

One book, student's choice from recommended reading list.

Carmona, Harold. Hacia una espiritualidad evangélica comprometida. Kairós, 2002.

Foster, Richard. Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith. HarperSanFrancisco, 1998.

Galilea, Segundo. The Future of our Past. Ave Maria Press, 1985.

Masini, Mario. La lectio divina. Biblioteca de Autores Cristianos, 2001.

_________. Lectio divina: Oración de hoy y de siempre. Ediciones Mensajero, 2001.

Molinos, Miguel de. The Spiritual Guide. Christian Books Publishing House, 1982.

Larrañaga, Ignacio. Muéstrame tu rostro: Hacia la intimidad con Dios. Paulinas, 2000.

Nouwen, Henri. "Tu eres mi amado": La vida espiritual en un mundo secular. PPC, 2000.