An Introduction to Spiritual Formation (DS8193B)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The unit provides an introduction to the concept and practice of spiritual formation through the lens of evangelicalism. It draws on biblical sources and the wider Christian tradition to explore foundations for spiritual maturity, as well as examining aspects of psychosocial and emotional health in Christian ministry. The unit presents a framework that is holistic and relational and identifies intentional practices as necessary for spiritual formation. It invites students to reflect on their own personal history of formation and to experience selected classical spiritual disciplines as a way of engaging in both personal and vocational formation.

Unit code: DS8193B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate and interpret their spiritual and developmental journey as a personal history of spiritual formation
2.

Critically analyse biblical sources and other Christian texts and traditions to discern and evaluate current spiritual formation teaching and practice.
3.

Explore and evaluate personal experiences of engagement with classic spiritual disciplines
4.

Evaluate psychosocial and emotional markers necessary for spiritual maturity and healthy Christian ministry
5.

Construct a model of spiritual formation for your ongoing personal and vocational development

Pedagogy

The unit engages students in learning through lectures, readings, videos, forums, class discussions and personal reflection.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
  • Barton, Ruth Hayley. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2018.
  • Barton, R. Ruth. Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2018.
  • Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2018.
  • Gaultiere, Bill and Kristi. Journey of the Soul. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 2021.
  • Heuertz, Phileena. Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2018.
  • Mulholland, M. Robert Jr. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Expanded Edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2016.
  • Palmer, Parker J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
  • Rohr, Richard. The Divine Dance – The Trinity and Transformation. London: SPCK, 2016
  • Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: it's impossible to be spiritually mature, while remaining emotionally immature. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2017.
  • Severson, Eric R., Scandalous Obligation: Rethinking Christian Responsibility. Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House. 2011
  • Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Disciplines - Understanding how God changes lives. New York: HarperOne, 1988.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Audio recording or Podcast - Personal History of Formation 1800 30.0
Essay - Integration Essay 2400 40.0
Summative Reflection - Reflection on Unit Content 1800 30.0

Variant 2

Personal Reflection - Seminar Paper post a presentation 1500 25.0
Essay - Written review of selected media (book, podcast, journal article, etc. provided by lecturer) 1500 25.0
Essay - Integration Essay 3000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 Aug, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-08-18 10:53:34 +1000