Cincinnati Bible Seminary
Cincinnati Christian University
PMN 502 Spiritual Formation Syllabus, Fall 2010
I. Course Information
A. Course Description: This course is designed to help the student to recognize the role of a spiritual formation in the development of the Christian life. While the focus is on one’s own spiritual development, attention will be given to the necessity of developing spiritual formation as an aspect of ministry to the Christian community. Resources and practices will be presented to help develop the Christian leader personally, as well as to how they might direct others towards spiritual maturity.
B. Semester Hours of Credit: three hours of graduate credit
C. Dates, Location, and Times of Meeting:
1. Class will meet every Tuesday evening for nine weeks starting on October 19, 2010 and completing on December 14, 2010.
2. Classes will meet at Indian Creek Christian Church – 6430 S. Franklin Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46259
3. Each class will begin at 6:00pm and finish by 10:00pm.
D. Instructor: D. Mark Miller – – 317-862-6430
II. Goal and Objectives of the Course:
A. The goal of the course is to assist the student in understanding the nature and role of spiritual formation in the context of the individual walk of faith and in the development of genuine Christian community.
B. Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course students will
1. Be aware of biblical teachings concerning, and the distinctions between, spiritual formation, spiritual discipline, and spiritual maturity.
2. Be able to identify the personal and professional factors that demonstrate the need for spiritual formation in the life of a Christian.
3. Be able to identify factors that have formed, and continue to form, the student’s own spiritual character.
4. Be able to list those aspects of spiritual development that are vital to integrate faith and life in a walk with Christ.
5. Be able to write a plan (“Rule of Life”) for continued spiritual growth utilizing both current and traditional resources and practices.
6. Be able to apply principles and practices the student has learned to a ministry context where spiritual formation can be nurtured in others.
III. Required Reading for the Course:
A. Chan, Simon. Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of the Christian Life, Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1998.
B. Haley-Barton, Ruth. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006.
C. Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002
D. Williams, Brian A. The Potter’s Rib: Mentoring for Pastoral Formation. Vancouver, BC: Regent, 2005.
V. Assignments:
1. Write a 3-5 page reflective paper describing your current practices of spiritual discipline (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Due: October 19th (1st day of class).
2. Prepare a 10-minute devotion highlighting a spiritual practice which will engage the listener in the practice. This devotion will be shared with the class after the first night. Due: on assigned night (assignments to be made on first night of class).
3. Read Spiritual Theology. Be prepared with detailed notes to discuss in class. Due: November 2nd.
4. Read Sacred Rhythms. Be prepared with detailed notes to discuss in class. Due: November 16th.
5. Read Renovation of the Heart. Be prepared with detailed notes to discuss in class. Due: November 30th.
6. Read The Potter’s Rib. Be prepared with detailed notes to discuss in class. Due: December 14th.
7. Write a 3-5 page reflective paper developing a “Rule of Life” as a new or renewed pattern for your own spiritual formation. Be sure that this “rule” includes both individual and corporate patterns to be applied. Due: December 21st.
8. Write a 3-5 page ministry plan related to spiritual formation for application in the local church or para-church organization incorporating what you have gleaned from readings, reflections, class lectures, and class discussions. Due: December 21st.
(All assignments are to be typed, double spaced, and prepared with reasonable margins. A title page is not needed. Please provide a proper heading to the paper giving the course title and number, your name, and a descriptive title for the assignment. Since these are reflection papers, they may be written in the first person.)
IV. Tentative Listing of Topics for Course:
· The Biblical Mandate for Spiritual Formation
· The Role of Spiritual Disciplines in Formation
· “Sacred Pathways” for Spiritual Formation
· The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Formation
· The Fruit of Spirit – the Goal of Spiritual Formation
· The Lost Discipline of Spiritual Theology
· Developing a “Rule of Life”
· The Role of Mentoring, Spiritual Friendships, and Spiritual Direction
· Spiritual Formation in the Local Congregation
VI. Course Expectations:
1. The course is designed for student involvement: formation is developed by both listening to others and through actual participation through dialog (both will be expected for successful completion of course).
2. Some additional brief weekly assignments may be given as the opportunity arises out of class discussions.
3. During the course a variety of different traditions for formation will be introduced; the student will be expected to interact respectfully with these traditions to the point of appropriate application to their own spiritual formation.
4. Students are expected to attend and participate in every session.
i. If a student is absent as much as 20 percent of the class time, he/she may expect to receive a reduction of one letter on the final grade.
ii. If a student is absent as much as one/third of the class time he/she may continue in the class, but will only receive audit credit.
5. Spiritual formation is at the heart of this course. Such formation is demonstrated by the character and practice of the Christ-follower. One such demonstration is for the student to have every assignment prepared and in the hands of the professor at designated time.
VII. Grading:
· Class reading and assignments 60%
· Class participation 15%
· Final projects 25%
Note: The professor reserves the right to change the course schedule, assignments, conditions, and anything else that he chooses to change as far as this course is concerned.
Spiritual Formation – Miller 10/22/08 page 2