Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

 

CHMN 579 MINISTRY AND SPIRITUAL LIFE

A study designed to develop understanding of and experience in the spiritual life. The classic disciplines are examined, biblically and historically, with special reference to the responsibilities of ministry. Emphasis is on the development and maintenance of vital faith, habits of spiritual discipline, self-renewal, and personal devotion in the face of the pressures and problems of contemporary Christian service. The course explores spiritual vitality programs, both for the minister and the local congregation.

Units: 3

WHO NEEDS THIS COURSE?

Graduate students:

  • MMin
  • MDiv
  • MACM

This course may also be taken by

  • Pastors for continuing education
  • Pastors as non-degree course for professional development
  • DMiss/DIS students as mission prerequisites
  • Graduate students of other schools as transfer credit

TIME INVESTMENT

3 hours/day

 

COURSE OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  1. Recognize the importance of spirituality and practice the spiritual life in church ministry.
  2. Articulate the nature and diversity of church ministry and spiritual life from the biblical and Adventist perspectives.
  3. Describe and explain various biblical models for spiritual disciplines.
  4. Assess the current personal and church commitment to spiritual life.
  5. Find out the factors that hinder the spiritual growth in church ministry and propose the solutions.
  6. Develop a constructive and creative spiritual growth plan for individuals and the local church.

 

TOPICS TO COVER

Week 1

God’s Call to a Devout and Holy Life
Week 2

Spiritual Life and Journey of Faith
Week 3

Spiritual Growth through Bible Study
Week 4

Meditation and Prayer
Week 5

Fasting, Solitude, and Simplicity
Week 6

Trust, Service, and Community
Week 7

Confession, Worship, and Spiritual Retreat
Week 8

Planning the Spiritual Growth for Individuals and the Local Church

      

 

COURSE FACILITATOR

LIANG CHUANSHAN, PhD

Dr. Liang Chuanshan is an assistant professor in the Applied Theology Department of the AIIAS Theological Seminary. He hails from China and has a varied exposure to different evangelistic efforts and missions conducted inside and outside of mainland China.    

He has written several articles in the Journal of Adventist Mission Studies, Journal of Chinese Ministry and Journal of Asia Adventist Seminary. He has recently translated Mark Finley’s book that was used in evangelistic meetings in Nanjing, China. In 2011, he published a book Introduction to New Testament (Chinese) in Hong Kong.

COURSE DEVELOPER

CAROL TASKER, PhD

Dr. Carol Tasker is now a retired worker of the Seventh-day Adventist church. She is an experienced (more than 20 years) cross-cultural educator having worked in six countries, with sensitivity and appreciation for diversity and cultural differences. She has served as a faculty, dean, board examiner, administrator in different Adventist institutions in Asia, USA, and Australia for many years.

She has written articles and presented research studies in various international conferences around the world.