DESCRIPTION: This practical theology course focuses on the spiritual journey of
Henri Nouwen--which represents the very nature of our own journey reality--with
particular emphases on his integrated ministry approach and his
counterintuitive brand of spirituality. First of all, it is a synthesis
of Nouwen's holistic approach to Christian formation--one that integrates
spirituality, psychology, ministry, and theology together in a
seamless fashion. Secondly, it is an exploration of Nouwen's spirituality of
imperfection which he embodied throughout his lived experience--where the
journey toward perfection is through the realities of imperfection. Lastly, it
highlights the reality of tension amidst the existence of spiritual polarities
in our journey which Nouwen embraced in his life.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This practical theology course exposes us
to Nouwen's integrative approach to the ministry of Christian formation
(spiritual, communal, and missional)--one that goes against the expert-driven,
individualistic, and overly specialized approach that is often one-dimensional,
hierarchical, and highly institutionalized in focus.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: It is hoped that by the end of the course the student will
(1) be able to acquire a balanced understanding of the inward, outward, and
upward nature of the spiritual journey and appropriate its reality within one's
own experience; (2) be able to embrace a more integrated understanding of such
journeying experience that incorporates the coinherent realities of
spirituality, psychology, ministry, and theology; (3) be exposed to Nouwen's
approach to the ministry of Christian formation with its combined spiritual,
communal, and missional thrust as well as recognize its relevance and
application to the local church; (4) be able to grasp in both theological and
practical ways a spirituality of imperfection that Nouwen embodied himself; (5)
be able to comprehend more deeply the reality of tension in our journey and
learn how to befriend it in a way that results in one's inner transformation;
(6) be able to apply the art and discipline of theological reflection in
whatever ministry context one finds him/herself.
COURSE FORMAT: A mixture of class lectures, student report/discussion, and
small group interaction. The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. In
addition, this class requires attendance at a residential
(overnight) spiritual retreat on Friday, September 28 through Sunday September
30 at Saint Andrew's Abbey (Valyermo, CA). A retreat fee of $175 (two nights
shared room/6 meals) will be charged automatically to your
account when you register for the course. If you cannot attend the retreat
(including overnight stays), you should not register for this course. Auditors
must obtain permission from instructor to audit the course and will need to
coordinate retreat payment with the instructor, as their Fuller student
accounts will not be charged.
REQUIRED READING: