DESCRIPTION:

What is "Christian Formation and Discipling" about? How do we foster spiritual growth? What principles and processes undergird the church's ministry of bringing believers to maturity in Christ? What do we need to become in discipling others? What guide-lines help us become that? What is involved in calling others to discipleship? What foundations undergird our continuous growth in Christ? Because it is not enough just to know the truth, this course deals with the "how" and "why" of living and communicating God's truth to others with the purpose of growth and transformation into likeness. In Christian formation our focus is on life; our goal is transformation; the total community of believers is involved; modeling and interpersonal relationships are critical concerns, and equipping the laity is essential.

Presents the basis for a philosophy of ministry with practical implications for implementation of a ministry of Christian formation.

Demonstrations, experiential learning, discussion, and small group involvement in class.

Downs, Perry G. Teaching For Spiritual Growth. Zondervan, 1994.

Gorman, Julie. Expanded Class Syllabus.

Mulholland, M. Robert. Shaped by the Word. Upper Room, 1985.

Palmer, Parker J. To Know As We Are Known. Harper San Francisco, 1993.

Choose one of the following:

Anderson, Ray. Ministry On the Firing Line. InterVarsity, 1994.

Banks, Robert. All the Business of Life. Sutherland, Australia: Albatross Books Pty., Ltd., 1987.

Kelsey, Morton T. Adventure Inward. Augsburg, 1980.

In addition to reading and responding via the 4-Mat system and participation in class discussion, class members focus on their own spiritual development. To make practical the application of classroom principles, each member is required to keep a journal of time with God and to design a learning experience to promote spiritual growth. Class members will be asked to write their personalized perspective of Christian formation and discipleship with implications for their particular focus of ministry.

None.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Christian Formation and Discipleship (MIN 4).

None.