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Biola University
TALBOT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY - GRADUATE Mission
the seminary offers nine degree programs, each with its own distinctive purpose. Talbot's Spiritual Formation Focus Mission The mission of the Spiritual Formation Focus at Talbot School of Theology and the Institute for Spiritual Formation centers on students more deeply understanding and participating in life in Christ and cooperating with the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, whose purpose is to form persons into the image of Christ through union with the Triune God. A major objective is opening the heart in truth to the New Covenant work of Christ and the ministry of the Spirit in sanctification. The resulting change of character or fruit of the Spirit is accomplished through cooperation with the Indwelling Spirit and not by means of human efforts alone. Purpose The purpose of Talbot's Spiritual Formation focus is to: 1. train students in a basic knowledge of Spiritual Theology (the integrative study of Scripture and the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit regarding the nature, process and directives of spiritual transformation in Christ), 2. encourage students to exhibit and integrate the Double Knowledge of God and one's self through application in their own process of spiritual transformation, and 3. practice relational and caring skills focused on developing communities of growth in the body of Christ. Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of Talbot's Spiritual Formation Focus, graduates will be able to: 1. Explain the basic elements of Spiritual Theology, namely, the nature, process, and practices of spiritual growth (ULO 1). 2. Demonstrate how knowledge of self integrates with knowledge of God in one's own life (ULO 2). 3. Demonstrate relational skills that develop community (ULO 3). 4. Articulate how the biblical teaching on vocation shapes one's own understanding of vocation and gainful employment (ULO 1, 2, 3). Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University Learning Outcomes (ULO 1, 2, 3), which may be found in the General Information (p. 5) section of this catalog. Courses Students are required to take three main courses in the Spiritual Formation Focus at Talbot (TTSF 501, TTSF 503 and TTSF 504). These courses will be completed sequentially during three semesters, beginning with the first semester at Talbot. Two semesters of individual Spiritual Direction/mentoring (TTSF 505, TTSF 506) are also required. The three main courses required in Talbot's Spiritual Formation Focus (TTSF 501, TTSF 503 and TTSF 504) are taken in sequence to provide continuity in understanding the process of sanctification and for the development of community in cohort groups. Cohort groups of approximately twelve students will be formed in TTSF 501 and will remain together throughout the completion of the three courses in the Spiritual Formation Focus.
The mission of Talbot School of Theology is the development of disciples of Jesus Christ whose thought processes, character and lifestyles reflect those of our Lord, and who are dedicated to disciple making throughout the world. Both the nature and the purpose of Talbot School of Theology are elaborated more specifically in the following paragraphs and further expanded at various places throughout the catalog as noted under each heading. Theologically The theological position of Talbot School of Theology is Christian, protestant, and theologically conservative. The school is interdenominational by nature and is thoroughly committed to the proclamation of the great historic doctrines of the Christian church. It definitely and positively affirms historic orthodoxy in the framework of an evangelical and premillennial theology that is derived from a grammatico- historical interpretation of the Bible. It earnestly endeavors to make these great doctrinal truths a vital reality in the spiritual life of this present generation. The seminary aims to train students who believe and propagate the great doctrines of the faith as they are summarized in our Statement of Doctrine and Explanatory Notes. Spiritually It is the purpose of Talbot to develop in the lives of its students a spiritual life that is in harmony with the great doctrines taught, so that they may grow in the grace as well as in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Specifically, the goal is to educate and graduate students characterized by commitment to serving Christ, missionary and evangelistic zeal and a solid knowledge of the Scriptures. To accomplish these objectives the seminary conducts a chapel program and gives attention to its students' ministry/service opportunities. Academically It is the purpose of the seminary to provide its students with the best in theological education so they may be equipped to preach and teach the Word of God intelligently and present it zealously to the world. In keeping with this goal, every department is geared to emphasize the clear and accurate exposition of the Scriptures. The biblical languages are utilized to expose the inner meaning of the inspired text. Bible exposition, whether by synthesis or analysis, presents a connected and related interpretation of the infallible Book. Systematic theology moves toward a well-organized and structured arrangement of biblical truth. Historical theology engages itself to acquaint the student with the progress of the inerrant Word among the household of faith throughout the Christian era. Philosophy furnishes the elements whereby the servant of Christ may give a well-developed reason for the faith that is within. Missions, Christian ministry and leadership, and Christian education strive to perfect in the student a skillful and winsome presentation of the truth, privately and publicly. Talbot stands for one faith, one integrated curriculum, one eternal Word of God and its effective proclamation to this generation with its multiplicity of needs. Practically It is the purpose of the seminary to prepare for the gospel ministry those who believe, live and preach the great historic doctrines of faith that have been committed to the church. To realize these broad objectives,
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