AFRICA CENTRE FOR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Spiritual Formation (CEF 500)
Facilitator: Rev (Dr.) Ambrose Massaquoi
Module Dates: Nov. 25-29, 2024
Class Description
This course seeks to develop a model for spiritual growth that has theological grounding in the Bible and historical precedents in the Church and is practically applicable to life. Drawing from various Christian traditions of spiritual theology and practice, this course will present an approach to spiritual formation which considers both the internal issues of motivation, faith, and character as well as the external practices of spiritual disciplines that help Christians experience increasing growth in their relationship with Christ.
Class Objectives:
The main objective of this course is to help students
A. Grow in the HABITS OF THE MIND by:
1. Understanding the Biblical, theological, and historical foundations of spirituality and personal spiritual formation within the Christian tradition.
2. Understanding the proper use and value of the practice of spiritual disciplines in spiritual formation.
3. Critically relating the course to every aspect of their lives—God, marriage, family, personal development, church, work, ministry, etc.
B. Grow in the HABITS OF THE HEART by:
1. Totally depending on the Holy Spirit for any real growth in grace, and be willing to submit to His Lordship in all aspects of their personal lives and ministries
2. Appreciate the value of an intentional, disciplined, Spirit-led practice of the inner virtues (character qualities) of Christ and be committed to beginning this practice as a means of loving God from the heart.
3. Committing to use both classical and contemporary spiritual disciplines to facilitate maturity in their journey with Jesus;
C. Grow in the HABITS OF ACTIONS by:
1. Individually practicing some of the spiritual disciplines through class workshops and exercises, in order to encourage the continued application of those disciplines to their personal lives and ministry.
2. Telling stories of their spiritual journeys with Christ and finding support for continued growth from other students,
3. Planning and implementing an effective strategy for making the spiritual disciplines a vital part of their continued development in Christ.
- Facilitator: Ambrose Massaquoi