SPIRITUAL FORMATION (FT-8166)

The Formation course at CDSP is a required component of the Master of Divinity, Certificate of Anglican Studies, and Master of Theological Studies curricula. (Certificate of Theological Studies students may opt to enroll but are not required to). The course is offered pass/fail for no credit, and students offer a self-evaluation to complete the course. The material, approaches, and practices that make up the Formation course have their basis in pedagogical theory, Spiritual Direction practices, and organizational models that affirm individual growth and development through shared participation in common practices, with regular occasions for reflection in groups and as individuals. Students from both the residential and hybrid cohorts are assigned to small groups that meet (online) once a month using a model developed specifically for people in a time of change or transition. Weekly resources are made available online to assist in group discussions and individual reflection practices. Students are also paired up as “companions” to share the spiritual journey of seminary. It is expected that students will participate regularly in personal prayer and corporate worship, whether at a contextual education site placement, home congregation, or in the chapel at CDSP. Spiritual Direction is strongly encouraged, though not required, and CDSP provides resources for finding a qualified spiritual director, and for offsetting the cost of that commitment. This course is for CDSP MDiv, MTS, and CAS students in the low-res and online programs.