Department: Spiritual Formation

CodeNameDescription
SPF4495SPF TRANSFER CREDITNo Description Set
SPF5531History and Theology of Pastoral CareEffective and vital pastoral ministry depend upon a competent theological foundation that is woven into the daily practices of the clergy. This course is a historical survey of theological reflection on pastoral care through the centuries. The c...
SPF5540Spiritual FormationThis course introduces students to the nature and processes of spiritual formation and its goal of the formation of believers in the image of Christ for the sake of the church and the world. Students will practice a variety of individual and corp...
SPF5541SF CORE 1: SPIR DISCIPLINESThis course introduces students to the nature and processes of spiritual formation, drawing upon the models of Dallas Willard and Robert Mulholland. It explores spiritual growth as directed by the Holy Spirit through classical disciplines, both perso...
SPF5542SF CORE 2: PRAYERThis course introduces students to the varieties of prayer in the Christian tradition. It focuses on the role of prayer in the formation of believers in the image of Christ for the sake of the church and the world. Students will practice a variety of...
SPF6615HIST/LIT CHR SPIRITUALITYThis course is a chronological survey of outstanding devotional writings from the apostolic age to the present. The focus will be on the breadth of this literature as well as acquaintance with major authors and their works.
SPF6625CHRISTIAN MONASTICISMAn introduction to the history, practices, and ideals of Christian monasticism from its origins to the "new monasticism" of contemporary North America, with special attention to the Benedictine tradition. The seminar includes immersion in a monastic...
SPF6642THE HOLY SPIRITThis course deals with the person and work of the Holy spirit biblically, historically, and experientially. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on the role of the Spirit in their own lives as well as in the church and world today.
SPF6660HUMAN DEV/CHRISTIAN FORMATIONThis course is a comparative, integrative study of developmental psychology, faith development, and spiritual formation.
SPF6667WOMEN SPIRITUAL WRITERSThis course offers an in-depth study of the primary writings of prominent women in the field of spirituality throughout Christian history. Particular writers to be studied are Perpetua, Hildegard of Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Susann...
SPF6668BIO STUDIES IN CHR LEADERSHIPAn examination of the lives of representative figures in the history of Christianity, specifically analyzing the essential features of their message and mission as Christian leaders in response to the challenges of their age.
SPF6675SOCIAL DYN OF SPIRITUALITYAn exploration of the corporate dimension of spirituality as it pertains to both worship and service. The course will include participation in Christian community and ministry to the needy.
SPF7770PRACTICES OF PRAYERThis course is an in-depth examination of the practices of prayer throughout the great masters of prayer in the story and tradition of the church. Biblical examples and models of prayer as well as the variety of the different Christian traditions of...
SPF7772SPIR FORM/SOCIAL ACTIVISMThis course is designed to integrate theology and ethics with spiritual and moral formation. By looking at select writers, concepts, processes and aims of spiritual formation, and by exploring and participating in social activism as both a means and...
SPF7775THEOLOGY OF SUFF/RECONC/FORGA study of the theology of suffering and pain together with the Christian response of grace and hope. Examination of biblical and theological sources such as the book of Job, Karl Barth, C.S. Lewis and Jurgen Moltmann.
SPF7780SPIRITUAL GUIDANCEThis course will expose students to the history and practice of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. It will address biblical, classical and contemporary models of spiritual direction. Students will develop skills as spiritual guides to me...
SPF7790PILOT COURSE INUncatalogued courses are offered occasionally to enrich the offerings of the major and to tap the resources of department faculty and visiting scholars. Specific course titles and descriptions are available when the course is scheduled.
SPF7792CONFERENCE/SEMINAR INCredit is available for those who attend approved conferences and seminars. Students should check with the department chairperson for reading and writing requirements associated with attendance at approved conferences and seminars.
SPF7794INDEPENDENT STUDYIndependent Studies are designed to cover specialized material not usually included in a course offering listed in the catalog.