Biola University 2013–14 Catalog
Spiritual Formation, or Biblical and Theological Studies/ Diversified will have “Master of Arts” only printed on their diplomas. Additional educational options/programs offered through Talbot are highlighted below: Talbot After Hours Late afternoon, evening and Saturday classes are regularly offered at the La Mirada campus. This arrangement provides an opportunity to take several courses each semester, when other responsibilities prevent enrollment as a full-time student. Courses offered are identical in content to those provided in the daytime schedule and are applicable toward the degree programs of the seminary. Orange County Extension Talbot classes toward a M.Div., M.A., M.A. in Christian Education, and M.A. in Christian Ministry and Leadership are conveniently offered at the Orange County Extension. The building is located at 24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 390, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Up to 49% of the degree requirements may be met at the facility. The balance of the requirements is to be met at the main campus in La Mirada. Three classrooms, a library, staff, and a faculty member are housed at the extension. The registration process for these Talbot classes may differ compared to main campus classes. Holy Land Studies Talbot School of Theology will transfer up to 12 credits of elective credit for graduate-level courses taken at Jerusalem University College, Jerusalem, Israel. Study tours for credit are also offered. 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 provide a substantial theoretical understanding of and experience in the process of spiritual transformation while attending Talbot. This focus equips students to continue the process of sanctification, beyond educational preparation, for a life that will increasingly reflect the love of Christ and the characteristics of a biblical leader as recorded in I Timothy 3.
Goals As a result of Talbot’s Spiritual Formation Focus students will: 1. Have a deeper understanding of theological training in the Holy Spirit, thereby experiencing classroom learning and homework assignments as spiritually transformative. 2. Develop a thorough and biblical spiritual theology (i.e., an understanding of the nature of spiritual transformation in Christ, the developmental dynamics of growth in the Spirit and the practical directives for growth) and consider how this theology impacts ministries in the local church. 3. Meaningfully participate in putting off the old self and the former manner of life by dealing with personal sin and putting on the new self and the virtues of our Lord by the transformation of the Holy Spirit in light of the work of Christ on the cross (Eph. 4:22ff.). This includes dealing with sin habits of the heart related to original sin, personal sin, being sinned against and worldliness. 4. Theoretically and personally explore in depth their relational capacity as being created in the image of God. This includes exploring the truth of their relational development within the fallen world, how they can develop healthy relationships in Christ and how these relationships impact the student’s overall relationship with God and others (includes addressing issues related to romance, gender, marriage, family, and parenting, for these are at the heart of how Christ is formed in us). 5. Have opportunities in concentrated courses and focused cohort groups to explore the theory and practice of spiritual disciplines (i.e., prayer, biblical meditation, etc.) in relationship to the triune God and to one another. 6. Reflect deeply upon the concept of vocation or the “callings of God” in Scripture and in personal life by means of small group, class time, prayer and retreat. Courses Students are required to take the three main courses of the Spiritual Formation Focus from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot (TTSF 501, 503 and 504). These courses need to be completed sequentially for three semesters beginning with the first semester at Talbot. Two semesters of individual Spiritual Direction/ mentoring (TTSF 505) are also required. The three main courses required in Talbot’s Spiritual Formation Focus (TTSF 501, 503 and 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 fifteen will be formed in TTSF 501 and will remain together throughout completion of the three courses in the Spiritual Students are required to take three retreats of varying length and kind for the purpose of spiritual growth. The first retreat is completed in the first semester in TTSF 501, which focuses upon opening the heart in truth in one’s relationship with Christ. The second retreat is completed in the second semester in TTSF 503 for the purpose of exploring our human relationships in Christ. Formation Focus. Spiritual Retreats
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