Spiritual Formation

SF501 INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL FORMATION (3)

Harper, Johnson
A survey that examines the theological and practical dimensions of the spiritual life. Lectures, class discussions, and small-group disciplines are used. Students are encouraged to enrich their own personal spiritual life and are given guidelines for engaging in a ministry of spiritual formation in the local church.

SF502 THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE MINISTER (3)

Staff
The relationship between spirituality and ministry is studied in light of contemporary society, gifts and graces, spiritual disciplines, and ministerial functions. The goal is to equip students to function in ministry with the strengths that a sound spirituality provides.

SF503 THE LIFE OF PRAYER (3)

Staff
The course interprets and applies the biblical principle of "praying without ceasing." In addition to examining various dimensions of prayer, the course also explores ways that one's whole life can be prayerful. The course exposes students to both theoretical and practical dimensions including a small-group practicum component.

SF504 PRAYER AND ACTION (3)

Johnson
This course is specifically designed for persons who are currently engaged in ministry (internships, pastorates, etc.) and are seeking ways of integrating prayer and the work of ministry. Students will examine integrative models, utilize reflective tools, and be involved in a "spiritual direction" process throughout this formative experience.

SF510 SPIRITUAL READING (1)

Harper
This course provides an introduction to the formative reading of Scripture and other texts. Working with John Wesley's method to "read, mark, and inwardly digest" the Bible and other literature, students will learn how this practice has been part of classical spiritual formation since the period of the early church. They will also be guided in the actual practice of spiritual reading, both personally and in community. Credit only.

SF511 PRAYING ALL WAYS (1)

Harper
This course examines the biblical and historical foundations for an ongoing life of prayer, both personally and congregationally. Emphasis is given to the identification of a student's prayer style, and also to the procedures for developing prayer ministry in the local church. The course aims to interpret the phrase "pray without ceasing" for individual and group prayer, moving prayer from an occasional act to a sustained attitude and environment. Credit only.

SF550 TUTORIAL IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of introductory study in Spiritual Formation. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated.

SF551 CONTEMPORARY PRAYER MOVEMENTS (1)

Johnson, Seamands In 1991, Margaret M. Poloma and George H. Gallup Jr., published their book, Varieties of Prayer. It was a study of a Gallup survey on Religion in American Life. Specifically, it examined the importance of prayer in the lives of Americans. The authors observed: "It is... accurate to say that most Americans, while believing in prayer, are desperately in need of help in understanding and practicing prayer." In the decade since those words were written, a "prayer movement" has emerged in North America with multifaceted expressions including: national prayer coalitions, united prayer events, churches with prayer coordinators or "prayer pastors," and a multitude of prayer ministries. Most are committed to helping people understand prayer. We believe that it is important for seminarians to have the opportunity to hear from national and international leaders in the prayer movement in order to discover what is happening "in the field," and experience intensive teaching on prayer, to reflect theologically on the ideas presented, and to respond to God's invitation to pray. Each year we invite a prayer leader to campus for a workshop and use this as an opportunity for this kind of creative engagement. May be repeated.

SF560 CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY: THOMAS MERTON (3)

Staff
Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, was one of the foremost Roman Catholic thinkers in the latter part of the 20th century. This course will study Merton's concepts of spirituality with special focus on prayer and solitude, contemplation and the cross, obedience and social responsibility.

SF599 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (1-3)

Staff
Guided, independent, introductory research in Spiritual Formation. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

SF601 THE MINISTRY OF SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE (3)

Staff
This course is designed to explore the meaning of spiritual guidance (direction) as well as some of the issues and themes that are often involved in such a ministry. Participants will be expected to meet together for mutual spiritual direction during the semester and, at the end of the semester, to reflect upon some of the issues and dynamics they have experienced through that process. Lectures, videotapes, discussions, and practical exercises will be utilized. The class is designed to be "formational" as well as "informational."

SF602 INTENTIONAL MINISTRY FOR SPIRITUAL FORMATION IN THE LOCAL CHURCH (3)

Johnson
This course is built upon the premise that Christian spiritual formation takes place within the context of the church, the Body of Christ. Starting from the perspective of the pastor as a "living reminder" (Nouwen), participants will examine how aspects of our life together can be developed to foster intentional spiritual formation. Some areas for possible exploration include growing groups, designing retreats, discovering gifts, discerning God's guidance, encouraging spiritual friendship, and writing letters of spiritual counsel. The course will utilize lecture, discussion, video, and (when possible) field trips.

SF/DO635 THE THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF HEALING

Harper, Seamands
This course provides an introduction to the theology and practice of Christian healing. Theological foundations for the practice of healing will be established primarily from scripture, along with perspectives on healing from the Wesleyan and the broader Christian tradition. Special attention will be given to developing and engaging in a holistic model of healing that can be practically implemented in the context of the local church.

SF650 TUTORIAL IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of intermediate study in Spiritual Formation. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated.

SF699 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (1-3)

Staff
Guided, independent, intermediate research in Spiritual Formation. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

SF/CH720 READINGS IN WESTERN SPIRITUALITY (3)

Collins
This course will explore the nature of spirituality and its relevance to contemporary life and ministry by means of critical examination of classic Western spiritual literature, ranging from the work of Plato in the fourth century B.C. to that of Th_r_se of Lisieux in the 19th century A.D. Special attention will be given to the work of John Wesley as that which exemplifies the leading themes of both spiritual literature and spiritual formation. Prerequisite: CH501.

SF750 TUTORIAL IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (1-3)

Staff
For students with specialized interests/needs in selected areas of advanced study in Spiritual Formation. Consult syllabus for prerequisites and course requirements. See academic policy. May be repeated.

SF799 INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION (1-3)

Staff
Guided, independent, advanced research in Spiritual Formation. See academic policy and procedures. By contract. Credit only. May be repeated.

Asbury Theological Seminary

Academic Catalog