Spiritual Formation

Course Outline & Assessment Information

Objectives

This class equips students in the process of spiritual formation as a life-long transforming and learning experience that emerges from our communion with Christ and forms the basis of Christian ministry. Spiritual formation involves the joyful sharing and participation in the life and love of the Father, Son and Spirit. All of our lives, individually and in communion together, are "in Christ".

For the purposes of this class, spiritual formation will include the following:

• An exploration of the biblical basis of spiritual formation
• Developing working definitions and descriptions of spiritual formation
• Theological perspectives
• Beginning a conversation with the voices of the Christian past and present
• Developing an understanding of the role of the spiritual disciplines and their implications
• Personal and congregational (community) devotions

• Personal growth and development

• Practical ministry (service)

Content

This course seeks to extend the knowledge, awareness, understanding and application of students across a range of topics, ideas and concepts relating to spiritual formation. It approaches this task in the context of spiritual formation being the basis of all Christian ministry (service). While grounded in the biblical and theological understanding of the dynamic process of spiritual formation, the course therefore also includes practical elements in the process of spiritual formation that find expression in practical Christian service. The following outline gives some idea of the areas that can be explored in depth in this class:

Texts and Supporting Materials

The texts prescribed for this class are:

• Philippians (preferably use a modern English version, such as the New International Version (NIV), New King James Version (NKJV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, Hodder & Stoughton, any edition AFTER 1989. (Cover picture may differ between editions).

Recommended Reading

• Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Harper & Row, 1954.
• The Spirit of the Disciplines - Understanding How God Changes Lives - by Dallas Willard, Hodder and Stoughton, London, UK, 1988.
• The Contemplative Pastor - Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction - by Eugene Peterson, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mi, USA, 19989.
• A Long Obedience in the Same Direction - Discipleship in an Instant Society, by Eugene Peterson, Intervarsity Press, Downer Grove, Il, USA, 1980
• Subversive Spirituality, by Eugene Peterson, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mi, USA, 1994, 1997
• Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups - A Renovaré Resource for Spiritual Renewal, edited by Richard J Foster and James B Smith.

These texts can be purchased from most online bookstores (we recommend Book Depository which offers free shipping) or from select Christian book retailers. 

Assessment

The components of assessment for this class are all listed below. You are encouraged to work through the class notes and readings before launching into the assessments. Assessments must be submitted before the due dates outlined in the course syllabus you received upon registration. Do not submit more than one assessment before receiving feedback from your teacher. The assessments are as follows:

Assessment 1: Book Report Read a book and write a brief (max 800 words) book report. This can be the textbook for this class (Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline), or any of the recommended books, or a textbook for another class. It may be a book you have already read, although to maximize the benefits of the course, it would be preferable to read a new book, especially one connected with Spiritual Formation. Ideally, you will have made it at least to class three (Prayer and Bible Study) before beginning this assignment. For the purposes of this class, a book report would include: A summary of the book, identifying the author's main ideas, An analysis of these ideas (do you agree or disagree? why or why not?), and Your reflections on these ideas in the context of spiritual formation, both personally and in community.

Assessment 2: Self-Awareness Statement Write a 500 word self-awareness statement, including an analysis of your talents and gifts, where you see your weaknesses, and where you feel best equipped to serve in the church. (You will need to refer to class 6. In Rick Warren's terms, what is your spiritual "SHAPE"?)

Assessment 3: Spiritual Journal Keep a journal of your spiritual life during the time of this class. You may wish to record your prayer and Bible study experiences, class study experiences, and material you have studied. The journal is not just a diary, however. Most importantly, try to capture any particular insights, thoughts, prayers, ideas, or verses that especially caught your attention. Journal your involvement in corporate worship, in the context of spiritual formation. (This may be church services, small group meetings, youth ministry events or the like - but again, rather than just a diary of events, try to record particular lessons, insights, thoughts or moments you may wish to record for the future.) At the end of the class, please submit an example or portion (500 words) of the journal, along with any comments on the benefits (or otherwise) you found in such an exercise in terms of your spiritual formation.

Lecturer

More about the Lecturer, John McLean and the Assessor, Phillip Hopwood.

Grading System

Check the "FAQ" option from the ABOUT dropdown menu.

Copyright

This web site contains course material that is for the use of the students of Ambassador College of Christian Ministry only. Re-publication and re-dissemination, including posting to news groups or web pages, is strictly prohibited without prior written consent of Ambassador College of Christian Ministry. Your participation in an ACCM course indicates your agreement.

Class Notes - Conventions

As you work through the class notes, you'll have opportunities to complete exercises, reflect on particular points and take special note. These are clearly indicated, with relevant instructions alongside

Queries

These should be emailed to info@ambascol.org

ALL THE BEST WITH YOUR LEARNING JOURNEY!