Biola University 2012-2013 Catalog well as experiential-relational soul work in classes and co-curricular requirements to aid in understanding the spiritual life mentoring. Note also that this more academic M.A. with a concentration in Spiritual Formation is to be distinguished from the more professional M.A. in Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, the latter being fashioned more along the lines of an Apprentice Training Model which includes training, supervision and service components in spiritual direction and mentoring. As a result of this program, the student will: 1. Appreciate and deeply grow in the reality that true Christian spirituality is grounded in the Double Knowledge and encounter of God and Self. Students will understand through experience and theory that growth in Christ is based upon an encounter with God and oneself in the Truth. 2. Understand the Word of God and its role as a primary datum for true Christian spirituality. Students will come to have a sufficient grasp and commitment to the Word of God as a primary source of truth for their understanding of spiritual formation and spiritual direction (through courses in theology, biblical studies and spiritual formation). 3. Integrate truth from the data of extra-biblical sources of wisdom and true Christian spirituality. Students will also come to appreciate the relevant information from the history of the church, spiritual classics, personal experience, the humanities and the social sciences relevant to spiritual growth. 4. Discern what is of truth or falsehood in light of various contemporary competing spiritualities. Students will be able to discern truth and error, what is helpful and unhelpful in true Christian spiritual growth in light of various competing contemporary spiritualities. 5. Foster honest self-assessment and humility. Students will gain an honest understanding of themselves in the presence of God and truth through various experiential prayer projects, meditation on the Word, retreats, spiritual direction and a small exposure to therapy. 6. Develop deeper understanding of the sinful dynamics at work in one’s life and others. Students will become more aware of the sinful dynamics that govern their lives and those they will be ministering to as well as a deeper appreciation of the origin of those dynamics from interaction with the Scriptures, psychological theory, philosophy, prayer projects and personal experience in therapy, retreats and spiritual direction. 7. Cultivate deeper intimacy with Christ in prayer. Students will personally nurture intimacy in their relationship to Christ in their meditation on the Word, experiential prayer projects, retreats, and personal experience in spiritual direction. 8. Grow in personal commitment to obedience and character of Christ. Students will cultivate growth in character as well as behavior consistent with the faith in their interaction with their spiritual directors, in projects of personal prayer and meditation on the Word, retreats and therapy.
9. Expose oneself to ministries of spiritual formation in the local church in courses and experience. Students will be exposed to the various ways spiritual formation may be part of the ministries of a local church in preaching, adult education and mentoring (through exposure in courses and experiences in retreats and spiritual direction). 10. Explore one’s calling to further education or training for ministry. Students will be given the opportunity to explore in prayer, courses, the community of the program, retreat and spiritual direction their own personal calling to the ministry, whether they should go on for more training in ministry and whether they should pursue further education in related academic areas. 11. Do master’s level research in spiritual formation. formation that, in part, will help them to determine their adequacy and desire for further education. Concentration-Specific Requirements (66 Credits) First Year Fall Semester (15 Credits) TTSF 517 Hermeneutics & the Word in Spiritual Formation Credit(s): 3. TTSF 521 Introduction to Christian Spirituality & Prayer Credit(s): 1 - 3. TTSF 521 should be taken for 3 credits. TTSF 524 History &Theory of Christian Soul Care & Direction Credit(s): 2 - 3. TTSF 524 should be taken for 3 credits. TTSF 543 Personal Foundations of Spirituality & Retreat Credit(s): 1 - 3. TTSF 543 should be taken for 3 credits. TTSF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction Credit(s): 0. TTTH 511 Theology I - Introduction: Revelation & Nature of God Credit(s): 3. Spring Semester (15 Credits) Elective: 3 credits TTSF 532 Students (except in unique cases) will write a master’s level thesis in the area of spiritual
Developmental Spirituality & Contemplative Prayer
Credit(s): 2 - 3.
TTSF 532 should be taken for 3 credits.
Personality Development & Psychopathology Personal Spiritual Direction Personal Retreat & Formation
TTSF 544
Credit(s): 3. Credit(s): 0.
TTSF 585 TTSF 672
Credit(s): 1 - 4.
TTSF 672 should be taken for 2 credits.
Theological Research Methodologies
TTSS 510
Credit(s): 1.
Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man & Sin
TTTH 512
Credit(s): 3.
Second Year Fall Semester (15 Credits) Elective: 3 credits TTBE 519
Survey of Genesis - Malachi Personal Spiritual Direction
Credit(s): 3. Credit(s): 0.
TTSF 585
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