Spiritual Formation MS 412
Spring 2010
John Leland Center for Theological Education: Martinsville Center
Dr. Vicki G. Lumpkin

Catalog description: A study of spiritual disciplines for personal growth and effective ministry

Goal and Objectives of the Course

Goal: The goal of this course is to facilitate an understanding of the nature and significance of spiritual formation, and to aid in the development of disciplines which undergird and foster the faith journey.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course the student will:

• Have a basic understanding of the history of Christian spirituality
• Have knowledge of the classical Christian spiritual disciplines as means of spiritual formation
• Be able to identify factors that have contributed to their own spiritual formation
• Be able to keep a journal of their spiritual growth and development as a means to understand and evaluate their faith journey
• Be able to apply principles and practices they have learned to a ministry context where spiritual formation can be nurtured in others

Texts and Required Reading

Thompson, Marjorie J. Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2005.

Other selections as assigned

Requirements

Participation: Informed participation is expected during class discussion and exercises.

Writing Assignments:

Note: All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will be penalized one letter grade per day. All writing assignments should be double spaced with 1 inch margins and font size (pitch) 12.

Spiritual Autobiography and Time Line

Journal: two entries every week with the exception of spring break. Three-quarters to one page per entry.

Book Review: Choose one book from the select bibliography and write a summary and critique. Include what you found most valuable to your own spiritual journey. Your review should not be more than 4 pages in length..

Exams:

There will be two take-home exams during the semester, a mid-term and final. Questions will be handed out the week prior to the due date. You are expected to do your own work without consultation with your peers. You may consult your text, works from the Select Bibliography, or other resources you find helpful. Document all sources cited and include a bibliography

Format:

All work should be typed or computer generated. The SBL Handbook is the required style manual for all classes at Leland Center. All assignments and exams should be formatted according to SBL guidelines. Spelling and grammar are important and will be taken into consideration.

Extra Credit:

In the event your grade is not what you hoped, there are two options for extra credit:

1. You can do a second book report for a possible additional 10 points. This report is due the last day of class.

2. You can make a twenty-four hour retreat at a local retreat center and write a 3-4 page paper on your experience. Prior to your retreat, I will need to approve the center and your plans for your time there. Your paper is due the last day of class.

Assignment and Test Values:

20% Book Review
20 % Journal
10% Spiritual Autobiography and Time Line:
25 % Mid-Term
25 % Final
5 % Extra Credit
0 % Informed Participation, no credit; however, in border line situations, this
will be the determinative factor

Grading Scale

A+ 98-100 (4.3) The student has demonstrated outstanding mastery of the
A 95-97 (4.0) material and its application
A- 93-94 (3.7)

B+ 90-92 (3.3) The student has demonstrated above average mastery of
B 87-89 (3.0) the material and its application
B- 85-86 (2.7)

C+ 82-84 (2.3) The student has demonstrated the required mastery of the
C 79-81 (2.0) material and its application
C- 77-78 (1.7)

D+ 74-76 (1.3) The student has demonstrated below average mastery of
D 71-73 (1.0) the material and its application
D- 69-70 (0.7)

F 68-below (0.0) The student has failed to master the material and its
Application

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as: “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.”

It is expected that all work will be your own and will not be completed with the assistance of classmates or others. Take care to fully document your sources. Failure to take this requirement seriously will result in significant penalty, up to and including failure of the course.

Contact Information

Dr. Vicki G. Lumpkin
276.806.3537 (c)
276.629.1314 (h)
vglumpkin@comcast.net

Topics and Assignments

January 28

Introductions
Housekeeping matters: review syllabus, text, assignments, etc..
What is spiritual formation? Journaling

February 4

Brief History of Christian Spirituality
Assignments: Spiritual Autobiography and Time Line

February 11

Relational Spirituality, The Spiritual Journey as Process
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter 1: “Hunger and Thirst for the Spirit”

February 18

Spiritual Reading
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter 2: “Chewing the Bread of the Word”

February 25

Prayer
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter 3: “Communication and Communion with God”

March 4

Worship
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter 4: “Gathered in the Spirit”

March 11

Stewardship
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter 5: “The Practice of Self-Emptying”

March 18

Discernment
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter.6: “Of Conscience and Conscience”

March 25 Spring break: reading week

Assignments: No class, no assignments

April 1

Trust, Gratitude, and Contentment
Assignments: Mid term exam due at beginning of class
Reading assignment: Handout

April 8

Hospitality
Assignments: Journal entries
Thompson, Chapter 8: “Entertaining Angels Unawares”

April 15

Spiritual Direction
Assignments: Journal entries and book review.
Thompson, Chapter 7: “Companions on the Journey”

April 22

Gifts of the Spirit
Assignments: Journal entries
Spiritual Gifts Inventory

April 29

Spiritual Formation in the Congregational Setting
Assignments: Journal entries
Reading assignment: Handout

May 6

Continuing the Journey
Assignments: Journal entries.
Thompson, Chapter 9: “Putting It All Together”

May 13 Final exams and extra credit papers due

“Plagiarism,” n.p. [cited 29 November 2009]. Online: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism.