Spiritual and Personal Formation

A significant part of a student’s experience with Spiritual and Personal Formation is the opportunity to join others in the journey toward wholeness and holiness. The group reflection process transforms the theological doctrines learned in class into character-shaping wisdom that can result in personal godliness.


SP 510 • Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation 3 Credits

Demonstration of ability to develop and monitor both individual and communal formation strategies using various biblical, theological, and theoretical perspectives. Consideration of the implications of one’s own personal formation journey in contrast with those on differing formation trajectories, while expressing a non-anxious, reflective, and dialogue-centered approach.
Prerequisites: SP 001 or SP002 or SP003.

SP 556 • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Foundations and Traditions I 0.5 Credits

This first-year course introduces students to the process of spiritual and personal formation. Students will explore spiritual theology, models and themes for formation, and faith development and traditions. Students will examine their own spiritual journeys, spiritual disciplines, and relationships with God and others. Students will be encouraged to integrate what they are learning and experiencing at Bethel with who they are as children of God and with their vocational trajectories. Psychological assessment instruments are utilized.
Prerequisites: SP 004. Special Notes: Enrollment limited to students in M.A.M.F.T., or the Post-Graduate Certificate in M.F.T.

SP 557 • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Foundations and Traditions II 0.5 Credits

This first-year course introduces students to the process of spiritual and personal formation. Students will explore spiritual theology, models and themes for formation, and faith development and traditions. Students will examine their own spiritual journeys, spiritual disciplines, and relationships with God and others. Students will be encouraged to integrate what they are learning and experiencing at Bethel with who they are as children of God and with their vocational trajectories. Psychological assessment instruments are utilized.
Prerequisites: SP 004. Special Notes: Enrollment limited to students in M.A.M.F.T., or the Post-Graduate Certificate in M.F.T.

SP 610 • Spiritual and Personal Formation II: Relational Spirituality 1.5,3 Credits

Evaluation of one’s personal theology, identity, and wholeness in light of Scripture, Christian tradition, and social science. Self-examination of emotional strengths and limitations, within the context of one’s cultural background and family system. Pursuit of intentional and sustained spiritual growth and integration. Continued exploration of individual, relational, and corporate health and spiritual well-being.
Prerequisites: SP 510.

SP 652 • Christian Spiritual Life: Henri Nouwen 1.5,3 Credits

A study of major themes in the thought of Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), one of the most influential Christian spiritual writers of our generation. The emphasis is on primary sources, set in the framework of his life and development, and complemented by reflections from the instructor, who served as a teaching fellow with Nouwen during the author's Harvard years (1983-1985). The goal is for this experience to provide critical insights and personal values that illuminate and encourage our lives as beloved and faithful children of the Lord.
Special Notes: Crosslisted with HS 652.

SP 656 • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Self in Community I 0.5 Credits

This second-year course invites students to participate in small, facilitated reflection groups that explore topics such as human nature, sin, grace, sanctification, and Christian community. The group reflection process transforms theological doctrines into character-shaping wisdom that, when faithfully acted upon and integrated into students’ lives, leads to greater realization of God’s intention for wholeness and holiness and to deeper integration of theological, theoretical, and experiential truths. Students are challenged to articulate the intersections of their experience with the wisdom of Scripture and the Christian tradition; to demonstrate the ability to use theological reflection to better understand both their own experience and the Christian tradition; and to analyze the impact of theological reflection on their personal integration journeys.
Prerequisites: SP 556, SP 557. Special Notes: Enrollment limited to students in M.A.M.F.T., or the Post-Graduate Certificate in M.F.T.

SP 657 • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Self in Community II 0.5 Credits

This second-year course invites students to participate in small, facilitated reflection groups that explore topics such as human nature, sin, grace, sanctification, and Christian community. The group reflection process transforms theological doctrines into character-shaping wisdom that, when faithfully acted upon and integrated into students’ lives, leads to greater realization of God’s intention for wholeness and holiness and to deeper integration of theological, theoretical, and experiential truths. Students are challenged to articulate the intersections of their experience with the wisdom of Scripture and the Christian tradition; to demonstrate the ability to use theological reflection to better understand both their own experience and the Christian tradition; and to analyze the impact of theological reflection on their personal integration journeys.
Prerequisites: SP 556, SP 557. Special Notes: Enrollment limited to students in M.A.M.F.T., or the Post-Graduate Certificate in M.F.T.

SP 686 • The Pietist Tradition 1.5,3 Credits

Pietism, "a religion of the heart," signifies a movement launched in the 17th century to reclaim the experiential dimension of Christian faith. This course traces the Pietist impulse in Christian history, evaluates its varied manifestations, and explores the relevance of a biblically-anchored Pietism to the renewal of the contemporary church.
Special Notes: Crosslisted with HS686 and TS 686.

SP 703 • Christian Classics 1.5,3 Credits

An evaluation of important Christian literature, from Augustine's Confessions to C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces. Attention will be directed to the context of several types of classics, as well as to their authors and messages.
Special Notes: Crosslisted with HS 703.

SP 749 • Spiritual Direction 1.5,3 Credits

Development of a working definition of spiritual direction and an understanding of the unique characteristics of discipling, mentoring, counseling, and directing relationships. The roles of director and directee, the life of faith and the growth of prayer, the conduct of spiritual direction relationships, and possible benefits and hazards are among the topics considered. Christian educators, pastors, and lay persons respond to the assignments of the course in ways that are suitable for their particular situations.
Special Notes: Crosslisted with DC 749.

SP 756 • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Moral and Clinical Integration I 0.5 Credits

This third-year course encourages students to examine the moral and clinical integration of their personal and professional identities. From global and local lenses, students will explore contemporary social challenges such as diversity and racism, human sexuality, economics and poverty, oppression and marginalization, immigration, technological and medical advancements, and additional issues at the discretion of the instructor. Students will be asked to reflect on their personal integration journeys.
Prerequisites: SP 656, SP 657. Special Notes: Enrollment limited to students in M.A.M.F.T., or the Post-Graduate Certificate in M.F.T.

SP 757 • Spiritual and Personal Formation: Moral and Clinical Integration II 0.5 Credits

This third-year course encourages students to examine the moral and clinical integration of their personal and professional identities. From global and local lenses, students will explore contemporary social challenges such as diversity and racism, human sexuality, economics and poverty, oppression and marginalization, immigration, technological and medical advancements, and additional issues at the discretion of the instructor. Students will be asked to reflect on their personal integration journeys.
Prerequisites: SP 656, SP 657. Special Notes: Enrollment limited to students in M.A.M.F.T., or the Post-Graduate Certificate in M.F.T.

TS 735 • Spiritual Theology 1.5,3 Credits

This course clarifies the nature of Christian spirituality, makes a case for studying it, examines its biblical, doctrinal and psychological foundations, and then, finally, explores its three Spirit-directed dynamics of relating (to God, others and creation), becoming (holy and whole), and doing (finding our place in the larger purposes of God). Practical assignments and directed experiences provide opportunities to move beyond theory to personal formation.

Assessments 

SP 001 • Formation Assessments: Masters Level 0 Credit

Formation assessments are a program requirement for all masters degree seeking students. Formation is an important value at Bethel Seminary. With a focus on self-awareness, Formation Assessments are designed to promote spiritual and personal development.

SP 004 • Formation Assessments: MFT Degree 0 Credit

Formation assessments are a program requirement for all MFT degree seeking students. Formation is an important value at Bethel Seminary. With a focus on self-awareness, Formation Assessments are designed to promote spiritual and personal development.

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