Spiritual Formation

Faculty

Chair	John Coe
Associate Chair	Betsy Barber
Distinguished Professors	Moreland, R. Saucy
Professors	Duvall, Issler, TenElshof, Wilkins
Associate Professors	Barber, Coe
Assistant Professor	Porter

Objectives

The aim of the Institute for Spiritual Formation functioning as a department in Talbot is to integrate an in-depth integrative theology of spiritual formation with the process and dynamics involved in spiritual growth, soul care and mentoring in the church. It attempts to train a generation of servants who are equipped both to understand and participate in the process of spiritual growth from a theological, integrative and experiential perspective, within the context of a developing mentoring community, to the end that students are better equipped to help others in the church in this process. Consequently, the courses and co-curricular elements of the program aim to integrate the theoretical, experiential and practical dimensions of spiritual growth and mentoring. To accomplish this goal, the department draws upon the expertise of an interdisciplinary faculty from Talbot and Rosemead School of Psychology.

SF courses are only open to students who have been admitted to an ISF M.Div., M.A. or Certificate program. All SF courses follow the "One-Fourth Rule" in which at least one fourth of each course is devoted to experientially realizing or deepening what is taught.

TTSF 517 - Hermeneutics & the Word in Spiritual Formation (3)

Training in biblical interpretation and its relevance to the process and goals of spiritual formation. Emphasis is given to analysis of written communication and language usage, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre, and the place of the Word of God in Christian spiritual growth from a biblical, experiential and historical perspective. Required of all SF students.

TTSF 521 - Introduction to Christian Spirituality & Prayer (3)

An introductory study into the nature of spiritual formation and the various ways that Christians have sought to deepen their relationship with God, with special emphasis given to the nature and practice of prayer in the Church and the Christian life. Required of all SF students.

TTSF 524 - History & Theory of Christian Soul Care & Direction (3)

An introduction to the history and theory of spiritual soul care, mentoring and direction from a biblical, experiential and psychological perspective. Specific focus is on assisting others in deepening their relationship with God through increased sensitivity and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's presence and work in all areas of life (including the common and ordinary). Attention is also given to understanding the personal dynamics at work within and between the guide and directee and the role of spiritual guidance within the broader context of pastoral care and mentoring as well as in the more specific discipline of spiritual direction. Required of all SF students.

TTSF 531 - History & Traditions of Christian Spirituality (3)

An exploration of spirituality through Church history. The course introduces the student to the various traditions of spirituality (contemplative, holiness, Word, charismatic, social reform etc.) and their historical-theoretical roots (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Reformed, Lutheran etc.). Attention is given to appreciation, evaluation and critique. Various experiential projects are designed to facilitate understanding, appreciation and personal growth with respect to these traditions. Required of all SF students.

TTSF 532 - Developmental Spirituality & Contemplative Prayer (2-3)

An exploration of the various stages of growth involved in the believer's journey, employing both experiential and biblical data. Particular focus is given to St. John of the Cross who developed perhaps the most elaborate and influential approach to understanding the work of the Spirit in various phases of the Christian's life and how this relates to the relationship between discursive and contemplative prayer and meditation. Required of all SF students.

TTSF 543 - Personal Foundations of Spirituality & Retreat (2-3)

This course focuses upon the importance of self-understanding for spiritual and emotional well-being as well as effective ministry to hurting people. It includes an investigation into the impact of personal and family history on theological outlook, emotional congruence, relational attractions and moral decisions. Several personal assessments as well as one or more therapy sessions are an integral part of this course and will require an additional fee. Required of all SF students. Fee: $40. Graded on a Credit / No Credit basis.

TTSF 544 - Personality Development & Psychopathology (3)

An overview of personality development and the major forms of psychopathology from a depth psychological perspective (psychodynamic and existential). This course provides a framework for understanding the dynamics inherent in personality development and distortions of that development under the influence of sin. Required of all SF M.A. students.

TTSF 577 - Soul Care Prepracticum I & Professional Ethics (2-3)

The first of a two-course sequence which facilitates development of empathic listening, interpersonal skills and basic spiritual guidance techniques that form the basis of effective spiritual direction. Attention is also given to the development of discernment in order to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in His ministry. Provides a beginning framework for understanding issues in professional ethics. Emphasizes a small, interactive group format for the development of skills. For M.Div. and M.A. Soul Care students only.

A passing grade for this course is B or better. In addition, students will be evaluated to determine whether they will advance to Prepracticum II, repeat Prepracticum I, take an SF elective (M.Div. students) or have the option to transfer to the MA Emphasis program (MA Soul Care students). Prerequisite: Student must have completed at least 9 units in order to enroll in Prepracticum I, included in which are TTSF 521 and TTSF 543.

TTSF 578 - Soul Care Prepracticum II & Professional Referral (3)

The second of a two-course sequence which facilitates development of empathic listening, interpersonal skills and basic spiritual guidance techniques. Direct observation and taping of the student's first clinical spiritual direction practicum in the university's Center for Spiritual Renewal provide a supervised introduction to the spiritual direction process. It also educates students to recognize more severe disorders that require psychological or psychiatric referral. A passing grade for this course is B or better. In addition, students will be evaluated to determine if they will advance to Practicum I, repeat Prepracticum course(s), transfer to TTPT 791/792 Field Internship (M.Div. Students) or have the option to transfer to the MA Emphasis program (MA Soul Care students). Prerequisite: TTSF 577. Course should be taken concurrently with or subsequent to TTSF 524.

TTSF 585 - Personal Spiritual Direction (0)

Students experience their own spiritual direction for the purpose of deepening their self awareness and relationship with God and implicit training in doing direction with others. The student is encouraged to be open and honest with the spiritual guide, hiding nothing regarding one's relationship with God and, within reason, attending to the direction of the guide. Required of all SF students each semester enrolled. Graded on a Credit / No Credit basis.

TTSF 602 - Prayer & Formation in Expository Preaching (1)

Theoretical and experiential integration of prayer and spiritual formation into the experience of sermon preparation and preaching. Focus will be on personal prayer and preparation of the heart in sermon preparation and in understanding and relating to the spiritual dynamics of the audience in listening and responding to the Word. A directed study offered by ISF faculty and taken concurrent with TTPT 609 Expository Preaching. For M.Div. students only.

TTSF 621 - Spiritual Formation & Theology Seminar (3)

Yearly seminars are offered under this course designation which explores spiritual formation as well as the theological nature, scope and means of spiritual formation. Required of all SF M.A. students.

TTSF 623 - Contemplative Spirituality & Prayer (3)

This course encourages personal awareness and sensitivity to the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit. Particular emphasis is upon growing in faith as understood in the Bible and the contemplative tradition by attending, listening and openness to the truth of oneself and God as revealed by the Spirit inwardly.

TTSF 625 - Theology of Human Nature (3)

A theological, philosophical, psychological and experiential investigation into human nature as it relates to understanding spiritual formation in the life of the believer and the Church. The goal is to lay certain biblical and true groundwork for understanding the nature of the person in the Spirit as it relates to sin, salvation, spiritual formation and discipleship.

TTSF 627 - Theology of the Holy Spirit (3)

A theological, philosophical and experiential investigation into the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the Church. The goal is to lay certain biblical and true groundwork for understanding the nature of the person in the Spirit as it relates to sin, salvation, spiritual formation and discipleship.

TTSF 629 - Discipleship & the Life of Christ (3)

An investigation into the nature of Christian discipleship and the life of Christ as portrayed in the Gospels and interpreted in Christian spiritual literature. Spiritual formation is explored in terms of discipleship and imitation of Christ.

TTSF 642 - Spiritual Disciplines Seminar (3)

A theological and experiential exploration into the panoply of spiritual disciplines sanctioned by the Bible and developed throughout Church history. The emphasis is upon understanding their nature and relationship to personal growth, identifying their pathological manifestation and appreciating their impact in one's personal and community experience. Topics may include various approaches to prayer, fasting, solitude, acts of service, meditation etc. Required of all SF students.

TTSF 645 - Christian Virtue & the Spiritual Disciplines (3)

An introduction to ethics including the nature of personal character, virtues and vices, and their relationship to the spiritual disciplines as means of spiritual growth into the image of Christ. Required of all SF M.A. students.

TTSF 670 - Intensive Journey Inward & Retreat (1-4)

M.Div. and M.A. Soul Care students are required to have a total of three weeks of extended off-campus retreat in isolation or partial isolation to explore and cultivate the inner life in the presence of God under the supervision of a spiritual guide (as designated or permitted by the faculty) and one's advisor. Also involves coursework in a classroom setting. M.A. Soul Care students will register for a total of 4 units, and M.Div. students will register for a total of 2 units, both over 2 semesters.

TTSF 672 - Personal Retreat & Formation (1-4)

Each M.A. emphasis and Certificate student is required to go on one weekend retreat (Friday–Sunday) each semester for the purpose of cultivating the inner life before God (a total of four weekend retreats or two for certificate). This is to be done in consultation with one's designated spiritual mentor and one's advisor before and after the experience. Student costs for such retreats are the responsibility of each student. Also includes coursework in a classroom setting. M.A. emphasis and certificate students will register for a total of 4 units over 2 semesters.

TTSF 677 - Soul Care Practicum I (2)

Students practice and complete a specified number of hours of individual spiritual mentoring of others while enrolled in Soul Care Practicum I. Work is done at a faculty approved site (Biola, church setting etc.) under the supervision of faculty. This also includes a weekly small group which focuses on theoretical training as well as individual supervision and training throughout the semester to foster personal growth and insight into the work of doing spiritual mentoring. Prerequisite: TTSF 578. Required of M.A. Soul Care students, optional for M.Div. students.

TTSF 678 - Soul Care Practicum II (2)

This is the second course in which students practice and complete a designated number of hours of individual spiritual direction of others. Work is done at a faculty approved site (Biola, church setting etc.) under the supervision of faculty. This also includes weekly small group experience which focuses on theoretical training as well as individual supervision and training throughout the semester to foster personal growth and insight into the work of doing spiritual soul care. Prerequisite: TTSF 677. Required of M.A. Soul Care, optional for M.Div..

TTSF 679 - Soul Care Post-practicum (1-3)

A continuation of supervised practicum experience. Students who have successfully completed Prepracticum I & II and Practicum I & II may continue in individual and group spiritual direction at various sites and with increased responsibility. By arrangement only; faculty permission required. If taken for 3 units, may be used as substitute for TTSF 701 Spiritual Formation Seminar.

TTSF 701 - Spiritual Formation Seminar (3)

Yearly required seminars during interterm are offered under this course designation which focus upon some issue, controversy or dimension in the area of spiritual formation. Required of all SF M.A. students.

TTSF 703 - Spiritual Friendships & Community (3)

This course explores the place of community and human intimacy in happiness and our journey to God. Attention is given to the varied nature and types of spiritual relationships that exist in the body of Christ, destructive dynamics that hinder healthy friendships, and ways to foster this unique love in light of our general commitment to love one another under God.

TTSF 704 - God, Evil & Suffering in the Life of Prayer (3)

A theoretical and personal (theological-psychological) exploration into the nature of God, His sovereignty and purposes as they relate to evil, human growth and suffering and our life of prayer with God.

TTSF 705 - Prayer Seminar (3)

Exploration of prayer in the Scriptures and how the Church throughout history understood the relationship of prayer to personal and corporate growth. Attention is given to identifying various psychological defenses which may emerge in the life of prayer. Topics may include prayers in the Bible, liturgical prayer, lectio divina, recollection, centering prayer, the Jesus prayer, conversational prayer, prayer in the family, etc.

TTSF 707 - Personality Dynamics & Spirituality (3)

An introduction to the personality dynamics involved in interpersonal relationships, including one's relationship with God. Special attention is given to styles of being and relating, defense mechanisms that hinder growth and maturity, and the dynamics of guilt, anxiety, anger and forgiveness.

TTSF 709 - Existential Spirituality & Soul Care (3)

Exploration of a depth-existential approach to understanding the person, particularly as it interfaces with Christian Spirituality and theology. Attention is given to key themes in existential spirituality and psychology such as anxiety, despair, hope, self, ego, transference, insight, meaning, love, freedom, feelings, journey and the nature of "encounter."

TTSF 711 - Topics in Christian Spiritual Soul Care & Direction (3)

Occasional seminars are offered under this course designation which focus upon some issue, controversy or dimension in the area of soul care, mentoring and spiritual direction.

TTSF 713 - Integration, Wisdom & Spiritual Formation (3)

An introduction to the nature of integration of faith and learning, particularly as it relates to the life of wisdom, prayer and spiritual formation of the believer. Emphasis is given to Old Testament Wisdom Literature and its understanding of integration and the wise life in relation to God, creation and the overall process of spiritual formation.

TTSF 740 - Spiritual Formation Project / Thesis (1-4)

Students in the M.A. Emphasis in SF (only) are required to complete a Master's Project / Thesis in the area of Spiritual Formation or Spiritual Guidance (includes 3 units for writing and one unit for personal growth exploration.) The Project-Thesis must involve both a theoretical and practical-experiential dimension in consultation with thesis advisor. Can be fulfilled in two semesters.

TTSF 750 - Directed Study (1-4)

Supervised reading, research, retreat or experiential practice. Developed and approved in conjunction with ISF faculty and advisor. May be repeated for credit. Signature required.