PC045-512 - Patterns of Spiritual Formation

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC227. Unit exclusions: PC064-512, PC064-712, PC065-812, PC040-812

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of spirituality in Christian life and ministry of spiritual disciplines for maturity in Christ 

B. Be able to

1. Compare Christian and non-Christian approaches to spirituality

2. Outline patterns of biblical spirituality

3. Describe approaches to Christian life in contemporary churches

4. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on the spiritual disciplines for maturity in Christ 

C. Be in a position to

1. Apply perspectives and skills from ‘Patterns of Spiritual Formation to contemporary Christian living and ministry contexts

Content

Section A: Spirituality in Christian Life and Ministry

  1. What is spirituality? Christian and non-Christian approaches.
  2. Biblical patterns of spirituality; Old Testament and New Testament models, including “godliness”, “people of God”, “spirit”, “in Christ”, “indwelling of the Spirit”, “the communion of saints”.
  3. Expressions of life in Christ as seen in contemporary Christian churches: e.g. contemplative, charismatic-pentecostal, evangelical, social justice oriented.
  4. Spirituality as applied theology: the imitation of Christ, the beatific vision, godliness and the Christian doctrine of God.

Section B: Spiritual Disciplines for Maturity in Christ

  1. Disciplines of the inner life, including prayer, Bible study, meditation, solitude, contemplation, fasting, keeping a spiritual journal.
  2. Lifestyle disciplines: simplicity, loyalty, obedience, commitment service.
  3. Corporate disciplines: public worship, confession, guidance and discernment, accountability and encouragement, community life, leadership.

Note:

Sections A and B are weighted approximately equally. 

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.

 

Prescribed:

Boa, K., Conform to His Image, A Biblical and Practical Approach to Spiritual Formation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).

Clapp, R., Tortured Wonders (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2004).

 

Recommended:

Augsburger, D. W., Dissident Discipleship (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2006).

Benner, D., Sacred Companions (Downers Grove, IL: IVP: 2002).

Boa, K., Conform to His Image, A Biblical and Practical Approach to Spiritual Formation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).

Chittister, J. D., Scarred by Trouble, Transformed by Hope (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Mayes, A. D., Spirituality and Struggle (London: SPCK, 2002).

McGrath, A. E., Christian Spirituality (Oxford: Blackwell, 1998).

Okolm, D., Monk Habits for Everyday People, Benedictine Spirituality for Protestants (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2007).

Peterson, E., The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways That Jesus Is the Way (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007).

Raiter, M., Stirrings of the Soul: Evangelicals and the New Spirituality (Syydney: Matthias, 2003).

Stevens, R. P., Down to Earth Spirituality (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003).

Stevens, R. P and M. Green, Living the Story: Biblical Spirituality for Everyday Christians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003).

Thomson, M., Soul Feast (2nd ed; Louisville: WJKP, 2005).

Webber, R. E., The Divine Embrace: Recovering the Passionate Spiritual Life (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006).

Willard, D., The Renovation of the Heart (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001).

Wilson, M. T. and B. Hoffman, Preventing Ministry Failure (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2007).

 

Journals:

Benner, D. G. and G. W. Moon (eds), Conversations: A Forum for Authentic Transformation (Atlanta: Life Springs, 2003).

Coe, J., The Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care (Waco: Talbot School of Theology, Biola University).

Mogabah, J. S. (ed.), Weavings: A journal of the Spiritual Life (Nashville: Upper Room).

Zadok Papers Institute of Christian Studies www.zadok.org.au/papers

 

Reference:

Howard, E. B., The Brazos Introduction to Christian Spirituality (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2008)

Mursell, G., The Story of Christian Spirituality (Oxford: Lion Book 2001).

 

Classics:

Foster, R. J., Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1992).