PC045-712 - Patterns of Spiritual Formation

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC527. 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 Functional knowledge and understanding of spirituality in Christian life and ministry of spiritual disciplines for maturity in Christ 

B. Be able to

1. Differentiate between Christian and non-Christian approaches to spirituality 

2. Discuss current scholarship regarding patterns of biblical spirituality

3. Analyse approaches to Christian life in contemporary churches

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

C. Be in a position to

1. Apply Functional perspectives and skills from ‘Patterns of Spiritual Formation’ to ministry practice and Christian living as a reflective practitioner

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.

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.

 

Anderson, K. R. and R. D. Reese, Spiritual Mentoring (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1999).

Benner, D., Surrender to Love (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003).

Chester, T., The Message of the Prayer (Leicester: IVP, 2003).

Guenther, M., The Practice of Prayer (Boston: Cowley, 1998).

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

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

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

Nouwen, H. J., Ministry and Spirituality (New York: Continuum, 1996).

Foster, R. J., Streams of Living Water (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1998).

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

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

Tan, S. and D. H. Gregg, Disciplines of the Holy Spirit (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997).

Willard, D., The Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002).

 

Journals

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

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