Spiritual Formation for Life and Ministry (DS2312B)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

The unit explores spiritual formation through the lens of our shared humanity and connectedness to all creation. Beginning with a biblical perspective it posits humility as an essential starting point for spiritual development and focuses on practices and postures that enable growth in Christlikeness. It gives attention to holistic development, explores personal vocation, and offers tools for building individual and shared capacity for healthy life and ministry. Students will be able to reflect on their own history of formation, identify where they currently find themselves and plan intentionally for future growth. Classical spiritual disciplines as well as alternative modes of spiritual engagement will be offered.

Unit code: DS2312B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine spiritual formation in a biblical framework.
2.

Describe and interpret their own spiritual and developmental journey as a personal history of spiritual formation.
3.

Explore and evaluate personal experiences of engagement with a range of spiritual disciplines as postures for transformation.
4.

Articulate the relationship between personal identity, vocation and ministry.

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: 36 points from two different fields.

Pedagogy

In an asynchronous environment students will engage with carefully designed learning materials which may include readings, audio and video materials, a variety of learning activities, response to questions, and refection upon practice. They will also attend structured synchronous online engagement sessions which will promote peer to peer engagement and learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.
  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry. 2nd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2018.
  • Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us, Revised Edition. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2015.
  • Casey, Michael. A Guide to Living in the Truth: Saint Benedict’s Teaching on Humility. Liguori, MO: Liguori Publications, 2001.
  • Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, Special Anniversary Edition. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2018.
  • Holt, Bradley. Thirsty for God: a Brief History of Christian Spirituality, Third Edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2017.
  • Lee, Cindy S. Our Unforming: De-Westernizing Spiritual Formation. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2022.
  • Mulholland, M. Robert Jr. Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Revised Edition. Downers Grove: IVP Formatio, 2016.
  • Palmer, Parker J. Let Your Life Speak: Listening to the voice of Vocation. 25th anniversary edition with new introduction. Hoboken, NJ: Jossey-Bass, 2024
  • Thompson, Marjorie J. Soul Feast Newly Revised Edition: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Seminar or Tutorial 1250 30.0
Book Review 1250 30.0
Essay - Reflective Integrative Essay 2000 40.0

Variant 2

Oral Presentation 1250 30.0
Report - Reading Report 1250 30.0
Essay - Reflective Integrative Essay 2000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 29 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-29 11:46:19 +1000