DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to explore the nature of soul care and companioning as it has evolved within the history of Christian spirituality as well as study its more contemporary expressions and practices today. Set against the backdrop of spiritual journey, the main focus will center around the four companioning processes: spiritual friendship, guidance, mentoring, and direction.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: It is hoped that by the end of the course the student will (1) have a basic grasp of the broad spectrum of soul care ministries; (2) understand the key communal practices of "spiritual accompaniment" such as spiritual friendship, guidance, mentoring, and direction, in one's journey; (3) be familiar with and able to articulate the focal dynamics of one of the four companioning processes; (4) have a first-hand experience of actual group companioning; (5) be motivated to more intentionally seek sacred companionship for oneself and/or to assume the role of a companion for others in the journey.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course aims to provide a basic overview of spiritual companioning, which is essential to living out our spirituality within the context of our own journey, involving our ministry--where people-to-people dynamics figure centrally in the process.

COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of class lectures by the professor and by possible invited guests, journaling, devotional/experiential exercises, student reports/discussion, and small group interaction. The class is scheduled to meet for three-hour sessions for eight consecutive weeks. The course will be capped by an overnight class retreat at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center (Encino) on Nov. 21-22 (Fri.-Sat.) featuring an actual experience of group companioning process. The cost is $100 per person (shared room, 3 meals & materials) and must be paid in full during registration.

REQUIRED READING:

Benner, David G. Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction. IVP, 2002.

Dougherty, Rose Mary. Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment. Paulist Press, 1995.

Green, Thomas. The Friend of the Bridegroom: Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with Christ. Ave Maria Press, 2000.

Kidd, S. M. When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions. HarperOne, 1990.

For Group Report, choose one (wait until first class session before purchasing a book):

Anderson, Keith R., and Randy D. Reese. Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Direction. InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Gratton, Carolyn. The Art of Spiritual Guidance. Crossroad, 1999.

Sellner, Edward C. The Celtic Soul Friend. Ave Maria Press, 2002.

For Interactive Book Analysis, choose one (wait until first class session before purchasing a book):

Demarest, Bruce. Soul Guide: Following Jesus as Spiritual Director. NavPress, 2003.

Edwards, Tilden. Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul. Paulist, 2001.

Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Cowley Publications, 1992.

Hernandez, Wil. Henri Nouwen and Soul Care: A Ministry of Integration. Paulist, 2008.

Jones, Alan. Exploring Spiritual Direction. New ed. Cowley Publications, 1982, 1999.

Phillips, Susan S. Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. Morehouse, 2008.