The quest for spiritual growth and transformation.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Spiritual formation or spiritual growth is an essential component of the spiritual life.  This course examines the biblical and theological understanding of spiritual growth.  This examination will include traditional and contemporary understanding of what spiritual growth is.  At the heart of spiritual growth is self-understanding, and a disciplined life.  Some spiritual disciplines and practices will be discussed.  The use of some spiritual tools such as enneagram and contemplative praying will be introduced.  This is a 3 unit/credit course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The expected general outcome of this course is that students will demonstrate deeper understanding of spiritual formation; spiritual growth and transformation; and commit to a disciplined spiritual life.

By the end of the course it is expected that students will specifically demonstrate:

1.  An enlarged knowledge base:

• The biblical and theological basis of spiritual formation.
• The traditional understanding of spiritual development
• The contemporary understanding of spiritual development

• The role of spiritual disciplines and practices in spiritual growth.

2. The capacity to discern their strength and  weaknesses through the use of an enneagram.

3.  Becoming more aware of the presence of God and God’s love.

4.  Capacity to maintain a sustainable disciplined spiritual life.

ABOUT THE LECTURER:

Dr Alex Tang has at least 35 years’ experience of offering spiritual direction.  He has a certificate in spiritual studies from St. Thomas University in Miami, USA, M. Min from MBS and his PhD research focuses on spiritual formation in Malaysian congregations.  He is a member of Spiritual Directors International and is listed in their worldwide directory.. Aside from giving spiritual direction, Dr Alex Tang is a Bible teacher, preacher, conference speaker, retreat facilitator, blogger, social mediorater (Facebook, Twitter) avid reader, cultural observer, lousy poet and a fanatical Trekkie.  Dr Alex Tan is the author of many books, book chapters and articles.  His latest publications include Spiritual Formation on the Run and Tales from the Monastery:  Spiritual Formation the Asian Way.  He is also consultant paediatrician with the KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital and Associate Professor with the School of Medicine, Monash University Malaysia in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.  His website is Kairos Spiritual Formation <www.kairos2.com> and he blogs at Random Musings from a Doctor’s Chair <www.draltang01.blogspot.com>