Biola University 2014–15 Catalog
Because the program is experiential, theoretical and mentoring in nature, the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care is fashioned along the lines of an Apprentice Training Model. The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care is intended to help prepare students for professional and lay ministry as associate pastor and teacher of adult ministries, spiritual directior, teacher, mentor, leader in discipleship as well as preparation for further education and training in Spiritual Formation to teach in Christian Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree. Each should be a graduate from an accredited college with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives. university and seminary contexts. Admission Requirements For special admission deadlines and requirements, contact Graduate Admissions. Due to the unique nature of this program, all applicants will be personally interviewed. Academic Probation Students are placed on academic probation if their grade point average for any semester falls below 3.0 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below 3.0. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (3.0) for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot graduate while on probation. Graduation Requirements A. Satisfactorily complete 66 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum. B. At least 24 of the total credits required for the degree program must be completed in residency at Biola. Advanced Standing, Reduction and transfer credit are not considered residency credits. C. Obtain a 3.0 average with no grade below a “C-” in all courses to be credited toward graduation. D. Complete the entire program in no more than five years. E. Meet with a Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Core Curriculum First Year First Semester (15 Credits) TTSF 517 Hermeneutics and the Word in Spiritual Formation Credit(s): 3. TTSF 521
Theology and related electives: 4 credits selected from TTBE, NT, OT, PH, TH, PM and HT courses. General electives: 3 credits taken from any Talbot department.
Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, M.A. Mission
The mission of the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care is to train servant leaders to know themselves honestly and openly before God and one another in Truth, to cultivate intimacy with, growth in and obedience to Christ and to help mend souls by the loving power of the Spirit and Word with believers of various cultural backgrounds. Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, students will be able to: 1. Identify the basic contents of all books of the Old and New Testaments and the broad historical and cultural background information relevant to the study of the Old and New Testaments (ULO 1). 2. Exegete and apply a biblical text properly through application of historical-grammatical hermeneutics (ULO 3). 3. Explain the major doctrines of Christianity, including their biblical basis, historical development, and contemporary relevance, and assess non-evangelical doctrines from an evangelical perspective (ULO 1). 4. Describe and explain (a) 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) (b) their experience and understanding of the Double Knowledge of God and oneself in truth and (c) how these impact personal vocation and ministries in the local church (ULO 1 and 2). 5. Identify what is truth and falsehood in light of various contemporary competing spiritualities (ULO 1). 6. Demonstrate and personally nurture character and behavior consistent with life in the Spirit and the Christian faith (ULO 2). 7. Provide Spiritual Direction for others, and will demonstrate increasing competence as spiritual directors in the course of their training (ULO 3). 8. Identify and assess the need for referring their directee to psychological care (ULO 1). Program Description The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care is designed as a personal growth, academic and professional program for specialized ministry. It is an intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology, developed to equip men and women for the ministry of discipleship, spiritual direction, formation and soul care in the local church and for further academic training in Spiritual Formation. The program is shaped around promoting growth in the believer’s inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community and developed knowledge-base in the Word, spiritual formation and soul care. It focuses specifically on ways to deepen one’s knowledge and openness to God and His work as well as understanding of one’s self and others in order to grow toward conformity of character and inner life in the image of Christ. In turn, it trains leaders in soul care to be spiritual mentors, directors and teachers who will assist others in their journey of growth in Christ and His body. In order to accomplish this, the program has a substantial emphasis on understanding the dynamics of the Indwelling Holy Spirit as they interface human personality and relational dynamics. These integrative endeavors are enhanced by the Institute’s diverse University-wide faculty which draws particularly upon Rosemead School of Psychology and Talbot School of Theology, bringing a wide range of expertise and experience to bear upon the process of human spiritual growth and soul care.
Introduction to Christian Spirituality and Prayer
Credit(s): 1–3.
TTSF 521 should be taken for 3 credits. TTSF 524 History and Theory of Christian Soul Care and Direction TTSF 524 should be taken for 3 credits. TTSF 543 Personal Foundations of Spirituality and Retreat TTSF 543 should be taken for 3 credits. TTSF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction
Credit(s): 2–3.
Credit(s): 1–3.
Credit(s): 0.
Theology I - Introduction: Revelation and Nature of God
TTTH 511
Credit(s): 3.
Interterm (3 Credits) TTSF 577
Soul Care Pre-practicum I and Professional Ethics
Credit(s): 2–3.
TTSF 577 should be taken for 3 credits.
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