Purpose
The Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship is a non-degree program designed to train students in the transformative work of Christian formation and discipleship. The Certificate in Spiritual Formation is designed for:
- Persons who desire training in biblical and theological studies, in spiritual formation, and in discipleship
- Persons who feel called to spiritual-formation ministry in the church or parachurch settings
- Professionals who desire formational experiences and training in an academic environment
The Curriculum
The Certificate is focused on expanding biblical and theological knowledge, deepening awareness of God and self, integrating life experiences, and enhancing Christ-like spiritual practices, so that students can demonstrate characteristics of Jesus in their vocational contexts. Our understanding of spiritual formation involves the intersection of Scripture, theology, and social-cultural factors. The focus of our curriculum, therefore, is on developing awareness, increasing empathy and compassion skills, and building distinct spiritual practices that promote authentic Christian discipleship
Curriculum Plan
Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship (24 Credit Hours)
Core Courses:
| BIST 501 Old Testament Introduction | 3 |
| BIST 502 New Testament Introduction | 3 |
| BIST 503 Engaging the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIST 504 Interpreting the New Testament: Use and Abuse of the Bible | 3 |
Required sequence: BIST 501 or 503 and BIST 502 and 504
Core Courses:
| CHTH 507 Historical Theology: Early Church through Reformation | 3 |
| CHTH 508 Essentials in Christian Theology | 3 |
| CHTH 509 History of Christianity in America | 3 |
| CHTH 510 World Religions and Christian Thought | 3 |
Required sequence: CHTH 507 or 508 and CHTH 509 or 510
Core Courses:
| SFAD 510 Knowing Self, Knowing God | 1 |
| SFAD 520 Mystical Experiences and Images of God | 1 |
| SFAD 530 Christian Prayer in a Global Context | 1 |
| SFAD 540 Spiritual Life | 1 |
| SFAD 551 Awareness and Identity I | 2 |
| SFAD 552 Awareness and Identity II | 2 |
And
| SFAD 555 Seminar in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship I | 2 |
| SFAD 565 Seminar in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship II | 2 |
The Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Certificate will:
Develop the student's capacity for theological reflection regarding the psychological and socio-cultural dynamics that are at play in becoming transformative agents of Christ’s love
- Equip students to develop habits of authentic disciplines that center on thinking and living in Christ’s presence
- Foster socio-cultural awareness and relational skills that foster maturity into God’s fullness
- Offer tools for cultivating and communicating authentic Christian discipleship
