DESCRIPTION: The image of the Christian life as a goal-oriented pilgrimage is
used to explore the nature of wholeness in six areas: the cognitive, the
affective, the behavioral, the relational, the physical, and the spiritual. The
two-fold emphasis will be on personal experience of growth in each area and on
the process of structuring growth-oriented experiences in a church context that
will produce growth in others. In addition to the various types of growth
discussed in class, special attention will be given to the art of spiritual
journaling and the process of spiritual autobiography.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students shall (1) explore in some depth their spiritual
pilgrimages, set in the context of evangelical spirituality and contemplative
spirituality, out of which they will come to understand better the nature of
spiritual growth; (2) experience various spiritual practices, especially
intensive journaling, so as to gain skills both to practice and teach these to
others: (3) be assisted in this personal exploration by an ongoing small
group experience in which spiritual autobiographies are shared; (4) be exposed
to a range of possibilities, options, concepts, and methodologies by which
personal growth is encouraged and will come to understand how to structure
individualized growth programs as well as other wholeness-oriented
ministries.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Nurturing Christian growth is a central task of
ministry. However, at times our view of growth is too constricted. The kind of
growth envisioned in the Bible is holistic in nature, impacting all of one's
life. It is important, therefore, that we have a clear understanding of how
growth is understood in the Bible and how it takes place, and that we have the
skills needed to guide others in their growth. The aim of this course is to
help students learn how to develop effective growth-producing programs that
reflect a biblical understanding of the dynamics of growth.
COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of lecture, interactive discussion, reflective
exercises, in-depth small group experiences, and journal exercises. Class will
meet weekly for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING: