Personal Spiritual Formation

PSF 511NE, 512NE, 513NE, 514NE
Introduction to Personal and Spiritual Formation
Credits: .5 for each course (2 credits total)

Interwoven throughout the period of the NES Core curriculum, these courses are designed to provide a theological, historical, and practical introduction to the resources and disciplines of formative Christian spirituality. In addition to exposure to classical materials through integrated readings in the Core curriculum, students will participate outside of class in a Faith-Sharing practicum, chapel programs, seminary retreats, and an individual formative assessment process.
[Required as part of the Core]

PSF 611NE
Pastoral Formation
Credits: 3

This course offers substantial exposure to the rich resources of the Christian tradition regarding the nature and practice of the pastoral calling. Among the issues explored are the spiritual and theological foundations of pastoral work, the discovery of a pastoral identity, the meaning of ordination, and the office and functions of the pastor. Building on a foundation of the central pastoral acts of prayer, scripture reading, and spiritual direction, the course seeks to assist the student in the development of a method for ongoing theological reflection in ministry.
[Required: M.Div; elective: M.A.]

PSF 612NE
Spiritual Formation
Credits: 3

This course addresses such questions as "what is spiritual formation, what dynamics are involved in Christian spiritual formation and, what makes it distinctly Christian in relation to other religious and ideological spiritualities in our world? Based on van Kaamian Formative Spirituality, students develop a holistic appraisal framework that is conducive to and compatible with the Christian revelation. The course surveys classic Christian texts from a variety of Christian traditions throughout history to deepen appreciation for the rich and varied ways people experience knowing the Holy Trinity. Students engage in classic spiritual disciplines including: Scripture reading, reading Christian devotional texts, prayer, journaling, retreat, and shared communal worship and reflection. Through these means, students nurture attentiveness to the presence and work of God in their everyday lives. Students learn to identify dispositions to nurture intentionally as well as the specific obstacles to and facilitating conditions for nurturing these dispositions.

[Required: M.Div; elective: M.A]

PSF 615NE
Exploring Personal and Spiritual Faith Development
Credits: 2

Faith will be explored from a life cycle, developmental perspective, from infancy through senior adulthood. Autobiographical, theological, and theoretical perspectives will be examined. Students will narrate/map their own faith journeys. Strategies for facilitating faith development in the church setting will be discussed.
[Elective: see Master Course Schedule]

PSF 620NE
The Use of Scripture in Meditation and Prayer
Credits: 2

The use of Scripture in meditation and prayer is key to both a close relationship with Jesus Christ and to a faithful ministry. John Welsey considered meditation upon Scripture and prayer as vital as the air we breathe. He used Lectio Divina and journaling as the means by which he traced the movements of God in his life in order to “walk according to the Spirit.” The student will learn about and experience Lectio Divina, other prayer forms, and journaling in the course. Students will also learn about the rich spiritualities which influenced Wesley and his life of prayer and ministry.
[Elective: see Master Course Schedule]

PSF 621NE
Introduction to Spiritual Direction
Credits: 2

Spiritual direction is one milieu in which we find another person of faith who will invite us to pay attention to our experiences and responses to God’s action in our daily lives. This course will provide a basic introduction to Spiritual direction as well as an experiential understanding of what it is, what it is not, its benefits, and differences between it and pastoral counseling or clinical therapy. It will address the history and practice of Spiritual direction as well as its place in 21st century spirituality.
[Elective: see Master Course Schedule]