Content

This unit explores the qualities and dynamics that enliven and sustain the inner life of a Christian disciple in the world today.

Based broadly on the ‘Lord’s Prayer’, this unit introduces crucial tools to help Christians follow the Spirit of Jesus in the world today. More specifically, it examines issues such as: how to notice and discern the movement of God’s Spirit in daily life; the role of desire and vocation in living out God’s will; Christlike responses to temptation, trials and suffering; and fostering the reign of God in one’s personal life, ministry context and in the wider world. It will also introduce various forms of prayer and resources to aid students in the deepening of their inner or spiritual life.

Unit code: DA9011S

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Mission and Ministry

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Stirling College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Employ skills in theological reflection on their experiences with God in their current life and ministry context in the light of the Christian tradition

2.

Analyse their experiences with God using the principles of spiritual discernment

3.

Discern critical elements of their personal vocation or calling in the world and how this relates to the will of God

4.

Evaluate specific factors that enhance or inhibit their growth as Christian disciples in their context

5.

Apply at least two prayer exercises to promote awareness and responsiveness in their spiritual life and those of their community

6.

Assess their development in discerning and actively responding to the Spirit of Jesus in the world

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorial, spiritual exercises

Indicative Bibliography

  • Benner, D. Desiring God's Will. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
  • Campolo, A. and M. A. Darling. Connecting Like Jesus. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass, 2010.
  • Cassidy, S. Sharing the Darkness: The Spirituality of Caring, London: DLT, 1988.
  • Crossan, J. D. The Greatest Prayer. New York: HarperOne, 2010.
  • Newell, J. P. Echo of the Soul. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publ., 2000.
  • Nouwen, H. Reaching Out. NY: Doubleday, 1975.
  • Palmer, P. Let Your Life Speak. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
  • Palmer, P. The Active Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1990.
  • Silf, M. Landmarks. London: DLT, 1999.
  • Wink, W. The Powers that Be. New York: Galilee/ Doubleday, 1998.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

3000 word Essay

3000 50.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

500 10.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

500 10.0
Essay

500 word Reflection Paper

500 10.0
Forum

Online engagement and participation (1500 words)

1500 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 15 Oct, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 12:20:24 +1100