Spiritual Formation Degree
Jun 03, 2009
Southwest offers Spiritual Formation Degree
Combining the study of Christian spirituality with the many ways to practice and reflect on it, Seminary of the Southwest has launched the new master of arts in spiritual formation (MSF) degree.
The three-year, part-time on evenings and alternate weekends program blends the study of theology and spirituality and focuses on the meaning of holiness, biblical ideas of vocation, the theology of revelation, the place of experience, the life of the church and the nature of mission. "The MSF is ideal of those seeking a personal renewal of faith and practice or teaching in a church community, as well as persons wishing to guide people in prayer or leading groups for bible study or discipleship," said the Rev. Dr. Alan Gregory, seminary academic dean.
MSF students literally practice what they are learning by adopting various practices of their own choosing - scripture meditation, implementing a personal "green" lifestyle or volunteering in an agency that serves the homeless, for example, Dean Gregory said. Each academic year begins and ends with a day-long retreat and faculty advisers provide guidance and encouragement to students throughout their studies. Students choose a project of special interest in their final year. Persons opting for a two-year plan instead will receive a diploma in spiritual formation.
"Our new MSF degree grants students the opportunity to nourish friendship with God and so emerge not only better informed -but better formed - in the image of God," said the Very Rev. Douglas Travis, Southwest dean.
Academic Dean Alan Gregory writes how MSF unifies Doctrine and Practice
Webpage of Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation with course descriptions & curriculum summary
