Orlando 2017 Course Outlines

Spiritual Formation

Description

This class equips students in the process of spiritual formation as a life-long transforming and learning experience that emerges from our communion with Christ, and forms the basis of Christian ministry. Spiritual formation involves the joyful sharing and participation in the life and love of the Father, Son and Spirit. All of our lives, individually and in communion together, are "in Christ".

Content

This class gives students an opportunity for reflection and contemplation, and provides practical help for students to develop their personal and congregational lives. Formation of the individual takes place in the context of the formation of the life of the congregation. Spiritual formation is a relationship with the Father through the indwelling of the Son by the Spirit, resulting in a dynamic process of continuous, on-going development to reflect "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ". This formation of Christ in us is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. This class includes the following:

An exploration of the theological foundations of spiritual formation:

  • A Trinitarian approach to spiritual formation
  • Communion with Christ
  • The new life of the new creation: love, joy, peace and thankfulness
  • Transforming the heart, mind and soul

Developing an understanding of the role of key spiritual disciplines, including:

  • An introduction to the traditional spiritual disciplines
  • The prayerful life
  • Studying the Word
  • Worship
  • Service; using one’s gifts in service
  • Participating in the Ministry of Jesus
  • Stewardship, Balance and Sustainability
  • A commitment to continuous learning and development

Delivery

The class is dynamic and interactive, with many opportunities for personal insights and understanding and practical application of ideas and concepts related to spiritual foundation and ministry development. You will emerge with your relationship with Christ refreshed, reinvigorated and renewed.




Incarnational Pastoral Care

Objectives

Through this class students are expected to develop an understanding of, and competencies in regard to, the following areas of pastoral care and ministry:

  1. Understand the practical meaning of Christ as the source and centre of all service, teaching and leadership.
  2. Students will learn about “incarnational”, gracious and Spirit-led ways of participating in various roles of service within the body of Christ; including serving those at different life stages and with varying needs.
  3. Be aware of the issues involved with ministering to troubled individuals and dealing with cases of abuse, neglect or unethical behavior.
  4. An understanding should be developed of the vital part discipleship, mission and outreach play in the life and role of a local church community.
  5. Understand & develop skills facilitating congregational meetings and small group activities.
  6. Be able to help with the identification and ongoing development of the gifts of all members, including future leaders
  7. Appreciate the need for, and be able to work towards forming a proactive plan for preventing burn out, or being caught up in a self-focused or programmatic approach to Christian ministry. Students will be encouraged to see themselves as privileged and beloved participants along with the rest of the body in the life and work of Jesus Christ.

Brief Description

We will start by considering what "incarnational ministry" is all about and its foundation in the life of God; particularly our sharing in the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ through the leadership and support of the Holy Spirit.

We will then look at various aspects of pastoring local congregations, including caring for and nurturing those in need, visiting the sick (including the terminally ill) and helping those dealing with grief and bereavement.

Time will be spent considering ways of handling the challenges some troubled members can present to congregational life, including anger, abuse, addictions and other negative behavioural issues.

We will look at how we pastor members at different life stages, including children, youth and the elderly.

The discipling of new members and encouraging all to grow in their unique gifts and role in the church community will be discussed.