DESCRIPTION: Spirituality has to do with receiving and participating in avenues of relationship between ourselves and God. We can encounter the large narratives of creation, redemption, and eschaton in the daily activities which are in the context of cultures and societies. Some regular practices are known to be "spiritual"--prayer, Scripture reading, worship. Additionally, our daily activities at home, work, and play, the ways we relate to creation, world, cultures, and neighborhood, and our interaction with media and arts are all significant in our "spiritual" lives.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: Clarify concepts about Christian spirituality with attention to the relationship between corporate and personal aspects. Skills: Practice some classic disciplines, explore reflection exercises. Affective: encourage an attentiveness to the relationship between the mundane and the holy and a commitment to personal and corporate aspects of Christian spirituality.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The choices we make, the perceptions we nurture, and the practices we develop directly impact our relationship with God and our participation in the Holy Spirit's initiatives in and around us--in our personal lives, relationships, and ministries. With these connections in mind, this class will invite congregational leaders to tend to their own spiritual development as well as to the spiritual development of others in their congregations.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for two-hour sessions, twice weekly, for ten weeks. Class times will include lectures, individual and group exercises, and reflective discussions of materials and experiences. Assignments will include readings, meditation, conversations, a prayer journal, a Sabbath observance, retreat, and reflective writing.

REQUIRED READING:

Chittister, Joan. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today. HarperCollins, 1990.

Clapp, Rodney. Tortured Wonders: Christian Spirituality for People, Not Angels. Brazos Press, 2004.

De Waal, Esther. Every Earthly Blessing: Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition. Moorhouse, 1991.

Kenneson, Philip. Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community. InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Course Reader.

1. Attend and participate in all classes (25%).

2. Complete all reading assignments on time (20%).

3. Write a personal spiritual autobiography (1000 words; 5%).

4. Write a review and reflection on each of three books as assigned (900 words each; 15%).

5. Complete a half-day spiritual retreat (5%).

6. Carry out one Sabbath observance as described in class (5%).

7. Do one activity from the list of everyday activity options (cinemas, novels, topical small group, mission service project; 5%).

8. Write a reflective paper integrating the everyday activity experience, the retreat, and the Sabbath observance (1000 words; 5%).

9. Make entries in a prayer journal twice a day for one week (5%).

10. Integrative project: Choose one topic from readings and lectures for additional reading (200 pp. min.) and reflection. Write a paper that indicates interaction with class, texts, Bible, additional readings, at least two conversations with other Christians, and your personal reflections (1500 words; 10%).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.