Fall 2021 (PDF)

ECDs are intended as guides for course design; though reliable, they are subject to modification. Most recent update: (02/21) Fall 2021 MC/SF501 Howell GCTS Digital MC/SF501 Spiritual Formation for Ministry. Dr. Bradley Howell _____________________________________________________________________________ DESCRIPTION: Spiritual Formation for Ministry is an introductory course that equips pastors and other Christian leaders to deepen their faith in God, grow in living a life renewed in Jesus Christ, understand and practice spiritual disciplines, and lead others in doing the same. Integrating a biblical, historical and contemporary theology of spiritual formation, this course will provide a method for examining models of spiritual formation, their theological foundations, and their organizing principles, structures, and themes. Leveraging models, case studies and spiritual practices, we will combine theory and praxis to explore corporate and individual calling, worship, devotional life, and character transformation. RELATIONSHIP TO GORDON-CONWELL'S MISSION: This course serves the following institutional learning objectives: • To train and encourage students, in cooperation with the Church, to become skilled in ministry. [Article 3] • To work with the churches towards the maturing of students so that their experiential knowledge of God in Christ is evidenced in their character, outlook, conduct, relationships and involvement in society. [Article 4] • To provide leadership and educational resources for shaping an effective evangelical presence in Church and society. [Article 5] • To develop in students a vision for God’s redemptive work throughout the world and to formulate the strategies that will lead to effective missions, evangelism and discipleship. [Article 6] LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Critically reflect on current and past spiritual practices, identifying contextual religious, cultural, traditional, and psychosocial makeup and challenges within communal, private, and interpersonal contexts. 2. Integrate biblical, theological, and historical themes of spiritual formation; apply theological thinking to the pastoral purposes and practices of the Christian vocation, spiritual disciplines, spiritual renewal, and Godly character formation. 3. Articulate, engage with, and reflect on spiritual practices; identify, assess, and develop key practices, disciplines, and habits to maintain spiritual vocational vitality within their sociocultural contexts (a Rule of Life). COURSE FORMAT: This digital course will be conducted online with a schedule aligned with GCTS’ academic calendar. Students should plan to interact weekly with the material, each other, and the instructor through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.  ECDs are intended as guides for course design; though reliable, they are subject to modification. Most recent update: (02/21) REQUIRED READING: 1,244 pp Keller, Tim, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex and Power and the Only Hope that Matters. Penguin Books, 2011. ISBN: 978-1594485497. [240 pp assigned]. Peacock, Barbara, Soul Care in African American Practice. Intervarsity Press, 2020. ISBN: 978- 0830846719. [180 pages assigned]. Placher, William C. Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 978-0802829276. [400 pp. assigned]. Rah, Soong-Chan. Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times, InterVarsity Press, 2015 ISBN: 978-0830836949. [184 pp. assigned]. Wright, Katherine. Spiritual Practices of Jesus: Learning Simplicity, Humility and Prayer with Luke's Earliest Readers. InterVarsity Press, 2020. ISBN: 978-0830852260. [240 pp assigned]. ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: 1. Reading. 1,250 pages of required reading. Reading will be assessed through the Spiritual Disciplines Research paper listed below. [Related to Learning Outcomes 1-3]. 2. Discussion Participation with related Spiritual Discipline Activities (60%). [Related to Learning Outcomes 1&3]. 3. Spiritual Formation Autobiographical Case Study and Reflection [750-1,000 words] (5%). [Related to Learning Outcome 1]. 4. Spiritual Disciplines Research Paper & Discipleship Plan [1,000 -1,250 words] 35%. [Related to Outcome 2]. PREREQUISITES: None. RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course meets the following degree requirements for students in master’s-level degree programs beginning in Fall 2021 or later: 1. MDiv: Meets Spiritual Formation core 2. MATS: Meets Spiritual Formation core 3. MAGL: Meets Spiritual Formation core 4. MACM: Meets Spiritual Formation core 5. MACO: none 6. MACC: none 7. Certificates: Spiritual Formation, Christian Studies, Global Leadership Please consult your academic advisor if you have questions.