Formative Spirituality is a growing dimension of ministry that emphasizes the contemplative and mystical aspects of faith formation. It assumes as its core the fostering of personal and communal experiences of God in order to promote the “greatest glory of God, the human person fully alive” (St. Irenaeus).
It is an umbrella discipline that integrates the contemplative formation of the varied dimensions of the mind, body and spirit in order to form healthy individuals and communities. It is inter-disciplinary, ecumenical and focuses on classical spiritual disciplines and rigors of the heart.
Formative Spirituality Program Co-Directors:
Marcella Kraybill-Greggo,
MSW, LSW
MAPC Clinical Director
Spiritual Director
Teaching Associate
Barbara Martell, MSEd, MA, MS
Spiritual Director Supervisor
Spiritual Director
Teaching Associate
|
The Concentration in Formative Spirituality (12-credits) is ideal for students enrolled in our degree programs who would like to focus their electives on contemplative practices and group spiritual formation. The courses in the Concentration ground students in the contemplative tradition while offering hands-on opportunities for practical application within parish ministry settings, agencies and for individual practice.
| |
REQUIRED |
10 CREDITS |
| |
Individual Spiritual Direction (SEPF727) |
1 |
| |
Contemplative Comm. & Relationship (SEPF744) |
2 |
| |
Group Spiritual Direction I (SEPF724) |
2 |
| |
Prayer (SEPF741) |
2 |
| |
Spiritual Formation (SEPF723) |
3 |
| |
|
|
| |
2 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING |
2 CREDITS
|
| |
Discernment (SEPF742) |
|
| |
Group Spiritual Direction II (SEPF725) |
1 |
| |
Retreat (SEPF729) |
1 |
| |
Spiritual Classics for the Contemplative in Action (SEPF746) |
2 |
| |
Incarnational Spirituality: Arts, Music, Earth, Body (SEPF743) |
2 |
| |
The Ignatian Exercises: Theology and Practice (SEPF748) |
2 |
| |
Spirituality of Diversity (SEPF745) |
2 |
| |
Formative Spirituality for the Parish and Community (SEPF728) |
2 |
| |
TOTAL |
12 |
In addition to the requirements for admissions into a degree program, acceptance into the Concentration in Formative Spirituality includes an interview with the Formative Spirituality Co-Directors and completion of application.
Students may take up to 6 credits of courses in the Formative Spirituality sequence, with the approval of the Formative Spirituality Co-Directors, before matriculating into the Concentration in Formative Spirituality program.
The Seminary requires that all individuals interested in the Formative Spirituality program receive individual spiritual direction on at least a monthly basis while they are in the program. Successful completion of SEPF727 Individual Spiritual Direction will be accepted as partial fulfillment of this requirement. Students are responsible for securing a spiritual director and will be provided with a resource list of local spiritual directors to assist their search. The fee for spiritual direction is contracted privately between the student and their spiritual director and is the responsibility of the student. Individual spiritual direction supports the on-going spiritual and psychological growth that is needed to be a facilitator of spiritual practices for others. It also helps students deal personally with issues raised in the process of training as they integrate them in light of God’s love.
All students directly engaged in ministry as part of their Seminary program with responsibility for individuals within a congregation or community agency, are required to file the appropriate background checks with the Registrar. These documents must be current within 1 year and on file before a student may begin classes and participate in a Formative Spirituality Practicum, which includes the following courses:
SEPF 728 Formative Spirituality for the Parish and Community
SEPF 745 Spirituality within Diversity
The art of discernment is core to the spiritual journey and therefore core to the Formative Spirituality program. So too, a candidate’s journey through the program involves ongoing discernment of a call to the ministry of spiritual formation, both by the candidate and by the Formative Spirituality program team. If, after continued dialogue, it is discerned that the participant is not called to/not qualified for this ministry, the student may be terminated from the program.
|
