M.A. in Christian Formation and Soul Care
What is a Master of Arts in Christian Formation and Soul Care?
The ministry of Christian formation and soul care is as simple as helping people love
God with all their being and love others as themselves. Yet it’s as complex as the people who do that loving and the countless ways in which God must restore our capacities for that love. Are you gripped by the need to help others grow in the depth of God’s love and wisdom? Our M.A. in Christian Formation and Soul Care will train you for this ministry by focusing on the ancient practices of spiritual friendship and direction within a clearly biblical framework. In this program you will explore biblical and historical examples of soul care, the wisdom of spiritual classics, and dynamics of the spiritual journey, while receiving practical training in the art of spiritual guidance.
At Denver Seminary, degrees in Christian Formation and Soul Care are under the Division of Christian Ministry. To learn more about the division, watch a video from the Division of Christian Ministry.
The MA in Christian Formation and Soul Care is excellent preparation for goals such as:
-
Spiritual direction in church and retreat settings
-
Pastoral, teaching and leadership positions inclined toward formation, soul care and discipleship
-
Further education and training, leading to teaching in university and seminary contexts
Structure
In addition to the M.A. core (30 hours), the M.A. in Christian Formation and Soul Care involves 24 hours of required classes, 4 hours of electives, and 4 hours for a project or thesis.
|
Christian Formation and Soul Care |
Course # |
Sem Hrs. |
|
|
30 |
|
|
CO 503 |
3 | |
|
CO 526 |
2 | |
| Group Experience | CO 539 | 0 |
|
GS 589 |
1 | |
|
Biblical and Historical Foundations of |
SF 501 |
2 |
| Principles and Practices of Christian Formation |
SF 502 |
2 |
| SF 511 |
2 |
|
|
SF 513 |
2 |
|
|
SF 515 |
2 | |
| Soul Care Practicum I |
SF 595 |
1 |
| Soul Care Practicum II |
SF 596 |
1 |
|
Readings from the Spiritual Masters II: |
SF 605 |
2 |
|
SF 611 |
2 | |
| SF 631 | 2 | |
|
Christian Formation and Soul Care Proposal |
4 | |
|
Christian formation and soul care electives |
|
4 |
| CO 560 |
(2) |
|
|
LD 601 |
(2) |
|
|
SF 601 |
(2) | |
|
- Christian Formation and Soul Care in |
SF 602 | (2) |
| - Skill Development in Soul Care | SF 603 | (2) |
|
SF 604 |
(2) | |
| - Use of Scripture in Soul Care | SF 606 | (2) |
|
SF 590, 690, |
(1-4) | |
|
Total Hours for Degree: |
62 |
|
1 Includes components that meet the globalization awareness requirement.
Department Faculty
Faculty Highlight
Rev. Howard Baker, Instructor in Christian formation, serves with the Spiritual Formation Alliance and on the board of Young Life Africa. He has authored Soul Keeping and The One True Thing, and contributed to The Transformation of a Man’s Heart, Giving Ourselves to Prayer, and The Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible.
