Spiritual Formation - Biola University

Spiritual Formation from Biola University is a Campus Certificate Religious Studies degree that prepares you for a Liberal Arts career. The Certificate in Spiritual Formation is an introductory yet intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology , designed to assist individuals in their personal growth, provide some training in lay ministry of spiritual formation in the local church and give the student opportunity to understand their giftedness in order to determine whether the Lord is calling them to more training and preparation for ministry. The program is designed entirely around promoting growth in the believer's inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community and developed knowledge-base in the Word, spiritual formation and soul care. It focuses specifically on ways to deepen one's knowledge and openness to God and His work as well as understanding of one's self and others in order to grow toward conformity of character and inner life in the image of Christ. In order to accomplish this, the program has a substantial emphasis on understanding the dynamics of the Indwelling Holy Spirit as they interface human personality and relational dynamics. Goals 1. Cultivate beginning knowledge of oneself honestly and openly before God and others in truth, i.e., in the double knowledge of the reality and presence of God and honest self-assessment, in the truth of the Scriptures, and from knowledge of the natural disciplines that are relevant to personal and spiritual growth. 2. Foster some discernment of truth from error and what is helpful and unhelpful for true Christian spirituality in light of the various competing spiritualities of our times. 3. Nurture intimacy with Christ. 4. Cultivate spiritual growth and obedience to Christ. 5. Introduce students to ministries of spiritual formation in the local church. 6. Give opportunity for students to explore their calling to ministry and to the need for more training and preparation. View more details on Biola University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Religious Studies courses.