Talbot School of Theology
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 Formation Focus. Spiritual Retreats 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. The third retreat is taken in the third semester in TTSF 504, which focuses upon various spiritual disciplines and one’s relation to the various calls of God in one’s life, particularly one’s personal call to ministry. Progress Review All students within TTSF 504 will complete a progress review. This review will cover theological, spiritual, academic, emotional and practical concerns, providing an opportunity to celebrate progress, to discuss struggles, and if necessary, to focus on appropriate corrections. For some students, this review will include a referral to the Focused Needs Program for special mentoring, tutoring, ESL help, counseling or mandatory credit control before a possible need for dismissal is discussed. For a few students, this will result in a change
of programs or possible dismissal. More information may be found in the Student Handbook. Baccalaureate Celebration Upon completion of a student’s Talbot degree program, there will be a celebration dinner, commissioning and thanksgiving service. This banquet, attended by spouses, family members, mentors, and faculty, will focus on accomplishment, spiritual growth, thanksgiving, hooding, commissioning into ministry and acknowledgment of the people who encouraged and supported the student throughout the Talbot journey. Women at Talbot School of Theology Talbot School of Theology affirms the equality of women and men and affirms the giftedness and roles of women within the guidelines of Scripture concerning order and complementarity. It is the desire of Talbot School of Theology to encourage and support women in preparation for ministry. We value the complement that each gender’s uniqueness brings to ministry. Talbot seeks to promote this complementarity by all members of the seminary community: administration, faculty, staff and students. Talbot School of Theology is an educational institution, and as such does not have authority for ordination of anyone seeking Christian ministry, recognizing this as the appropriate function of church bodies. However, Talbot is committed to full inclusion of women in student recruitment, admissions, degree programs, chapels, convocations, faculty and administration, within the principles of the biblical roles of men and women. Chapel The purpose of chapel is to provide opportunities for worship, instruction and exposure to current issues, ministries, missions and gifted individuals. Chapel is an important part of a student’s educational experience, contributing significantly to individual spiritual formation and the unity of the seminary community. Chapel services are conducted each Tuesday in the Calvary Chapel auditorium. Additional special chapels are held as announced. Joint University-wide chapel services are held several times a year. Students are required to attend Tuesday chapel services if they have classes either immediately before or after the chapel hour. This requirement also applies to the Thursday of the Lyman Stewart Lectures (Fall) and the Robert Saucy Lectures (Spring). Participation in the chapel services of the university community are also highly encouraged. Lecture Series Special lectures to supplement and enhance the seminary experience are held twice a year during the Tuesday/Thursday chapel hours. Students are required to attend lectures if they have classes either immediately before or after the chapel hour. Lecture series are:
• Lyman Stewart Lectures (Fall) • Robert L. Saucy Lectures (Spring)
Student Christian Service The seminary recognizes the necessity of active service in Christian work while students are pursuing their courses of study. From the time of enrollment students are asked to engage in some type of approved weekly ministry. The high population density of Southern California creates extensive service opportunities of many types. Field Education Field education is that part of the student’s academic program in which there is active participation in a supervised experience within a church setting. A full-time M.Div. student must register for field education each semester. A part-time M.Div. student must register for field education once within every 16 credits completed. For specific course numbers see the Christian Ministry and Leadership section under course descriptions. After completing 48 credits of class work in the M.Div. program, students become eligible to register for field internship. This intensive, supervised practice of the ministry is composed of three clusters of learning: 1. Supervised field experience for a minimum of 100 hours in each of two semesters.
187
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker