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Title: BIB 622: Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Practices
Subtitle: Cultivating Christ-Like Character and Ministry Skills
Course Name & Level: Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Practices, Master Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Spiritual Formation, Discipleship, Christian Practices
1. Introduction:
This course explores the process of spiritual formation and the practices essential for effective discipleship. Students will engage in personal and communal practices aimed at developing Christ-like character and ministry skills.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course focusing on the principles and practices of spiritual formation and discipleship. Emphasis is placed on personal growth, community involvement, and the application of spiritual disciplines in daily life.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for spiritual growth and effective discipleship, centered on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and practice spiritual disciplines, understand the process of spiritual formation, and develop effective discipleship strategies.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Spiritual Formation: The process of being shaped by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ.
- Discipleship: The practice of following Jesus and helping others do the same.
- Spiritual Disciplines: Practices that foster spiritual growth, such as prayer, fasting, and Bible study.
- Community: The body of believers who support and encourage one another in their spiritual journeys.
- Mentorship: A relational process where a more experienced believer guides a less experienced believer in their faith journey.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Spiritual Formation: Overview of the course and its objectives.
- Biblical Foundations: Exploration of biblical principles underlying spiritual formation and discipleship.
- Personal Spiritual Disciplines: Study and practice of personal disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and meditation.
- Corporate Spiritual Disciplines: Examination of communal practices like worship, fellowship, and confession.
- Character Formation: Understanding the development of Christ-like character.
- Role of the Holy Spirit: Exploration of the Holy Spirit’s role in spiritual formation.
- Mentorship and Accountability: Study of the importance of mentorship and accountability in discipleship.
- Spiritual Warfare: Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare as part of spiritual formation.
- Discipleship Models: Analysis of various models and strategies for effective discipleship.
- Integration and Application: Applying spiritual disciplines and discipleship practices in daily life and ministry.
- Evaluating Spiritual Growth: Methods for assessing spiritual growth and development.
- Contemporary Issues: Addressing contemporary challenges in spiritual formation and discipleship.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and practices related to spiritual formation and discipleship.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific spiritual disciplines.
- Spiritual Formation Plan: Development of a personal spiritual formation plan, incorporating various disciplines.
- Mentorship Experience: Participation in a mentorship relationship, either as a mentor or mentee, and reflection on the experience.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen aspect of spiritual formation or discipleship practices.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant spiritual discipline or discipleship practice.
8. Research References:
- Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster. eBook format. MLA Citation: Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. HarperOne, 2018.
- Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun. eBook format. MLA Citation: Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us. InterVarsity Press, 2015.
- The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard. eBook format. MLA Citation: Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives. HarperOne, 1999.
- The Making of a Disciple by Keith Phillips. eBook format. MLA Citation: Phillips, Keith. The Making of a Disciple. World Vision, 1978.
- Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time by Greg Ogden. eBook format. MLA Citation: Ogden, Greg. Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time. InterVarsity Press, 2003.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of spiritual formation and discipleship practices, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
