DSMN 850 Biblical Theology of Spiritual Formation

This course traces out the biblical theme of spiritual formation in both Old and New Testaments. Students gain an appreciation for the consistent manner in which biblical writers explain the process of spiritual growth by an appeal to natural growth processes in creation. Students also explore the place of spiritual formation within the larger purposes of the mission of God as it unfolds canonically and historically. Students formulate practical applications of a biblical model of spiritual formation to ministry practice within their own denominational and theological traditions.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to develop a biblical basis and frame of reference for their understanding of spiritual formation. This will enable students to think their way through the scriptures centered on the theme of spiritual formation. Practical ministry application of biblical concepts about spiritual formation is an integral part of the course design.

Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. The student is required to create a thread in response to the instructor provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words.  (CLOs: A, C)

Research Paper Assignments (8)

Each student will write a major research paper for the course entitled “Research Paper: A Biblical Theology of Spiritual Formation.” The paper will be submitted in 8 installments. Students write the paper in stages in order to digest all of the reading material and other course content. Each installment of the paper has assigned reading and required resources like the video presentations to interact with as they develop their own emerging biblical theology of spiritual formation. Each installment of the paper should give sufficient evidence that the student has read, digested, and integrated required readings and course content (video presentations) with their own thoughts and additional research. The completed paper must be 22-29 pages and utilize at least 15 resources, including the resources required in the course. (CLO: D)

Introduction

Old Testament Theology

New Testament Theology

Pauline Theology of Spiritual Formation

Ecology of Spiritual Formation: Thinking Theologically

Ecology of Spiritual Formation: Thinking Biblically

Role of Worship and Preaching in Spiritual Formation

Final Edits and Conclusion