Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction
The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction is meant to prepare students for the ministry of Spiritual Direction, to discern their own call and abilities to be a spiritual director, and to increase the capacities of students to become whole and holy people.
Program Goals
- To equip students in Biblical and Christian foundations by interpreting scripture through fundamental Hermeneutics, Biblical Themes, study of Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and Church History.
- To lead students in the process of intentional spiritual formation, of dwelling in Christ, and becoming like Christ.
- To equip students with the necessary listening skills for the art of Spiritual Direction, and to provide a historical and Biblical framework for spiritual formation and direction by helping students develop practical skills and to explore discernment practices for this ministry.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction consists of 40 semester hours.
The MIN prefix is designated for courses that can be taken online or on-ground. The SPD prefix refers to specialized Spiritual Direction courses. Program sequences may be determined between the student and advisor.
Bible History and Theology (12 hours)
| MIN5113 | Hermeneutics and Exegesis | 3 |
| MIN6433 | History and Theology II: Renaissance to Today | 3 |
| MIN6113 | Biblical Themes | 3 |
Spiritual Formation (12 hours)
| MIN5213 | Essentials of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN5223 | Practices of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN6213 | Traditions of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN6223 | Applications of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Spiritual Direction (15 hours)
| SPD7253 | Perceiving a Holy Invitation | 3 |
| SPD7263 | Preparing an Available Self | 3 |
| SPD7273 | Developing a Listening Ear | 3 |
| SPD7283 | Discerning and Knowing God | 3 |
| SPD7293 | Arranging a Sacred Space | 3 |
Capstone (1 hour)
2 Year Program Sequence
Three- and four-year program sequence options available from the Office of the Dean of the School of Ministry.
Fall Semester I: 6 hours
| SPD7253 | Perceiving a Holy Invitation | 3 |
| MIN5213 | Essentials of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Spring Semester I: 6 hours
Summer Semester I: 6 hours
| MIN6433 | History and Theology II: Renaissance to Today | 3 |
| SPD7263 | Preparing an Available Self | 3 |
Fall Semester II: 6 hours
| MIN5223 | Practices of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| SPD7283 | Discerning and Knowing God | 3 |
Spring Semester II: 9 hours
| SPD7293 | Arranging a Sacred Space | 3 |
| MIN6223 | Applications of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Summer Semester II: 7 hours