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: