DESCRIPTION: This course helps seminarians to deepen their intimacy with God
and to disciple students and young adults in the spiritual life. It addresses
how students and young adults are formed into the image of Christ for the sake
of others as they approach and pass through the critical college years.
Theological, historical, developmental, generational, and cultural perspectives
are considered.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students will: (1)
Cognitive: Understand a biblical philosophy of discipleship rooted in
spiritual formation; learn a historical overview of spiritual disciplines and
spiritual awakenings especially among students and young adults; and understand
generational, developmental, and cultural issues related to the spiritual
formation of college students and young adults. (2) Affective: Desire to
be spiritual guides for and serve their families, the postmodern generations,
and those who have suffered abuse, oppression or who are caught in addictions.
(3) Behavioral: Practice graced rhythms of spiritual discipline in both
daily and extended times of fellowship with Jesus Christ. (4)
Existential: Be non-compulsive servant leaders whose service to others
increasingly derives from love for God, for others, and for themselves.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Proven approaches to spiritual formation for the sake
of others will be applied to the seminarian's life and current or future
ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet eight times on Thursdays for three hours
and will also participate in two one-day prayer retreats (April 11, 9:00am -
3:00pm and May 9, 9:00am - 4:00pm) for two times of extended personal communion
with God. (Class will not meet on Thursday, April 10 and May 8.) The retreats
will involve no additional charge to students. Instruction methods include
lecture, media, discussion, experiential learning, and small groups.
REQUIRED READING: