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Science and Faith

Nurturing Vital Spirituality in a Changing World

Course Description

Mutual longing—ours for God and God’s for us—is at the heart of the spiritual journey. The congregation plays a unique role in supporting and nurturing life-giving Christian faith. But in order to support and nurture the spiritual life of its members, the congregation must embody a sense of vital spirituality: inviting people—individually and corporately—into the presence of God, increasing their awareness of God’s presence and activity, and empowering them to bear witness to God’s presence and activity in the world.

Through assigned reading, personal reflection, online discussions, practical application, and written assignments, participants will:

  • Articulate an understanding of Christian spirituality;
  • Examine the cultural dynamics impacting the spiritual journey;
  • Explore elements of vital congregational spirituality;
  • Examine the role of pastors and lay leaders in nurturing spirituality;
  • Examine the unique spiritual life of different populations within the context of congregational life;
  • Explore and experiment with variety of spiritual practices.

As a result, students will take away an enriched theoretical and theological understanding of Christian spirituality and the congregation’s role in nurturing a vital Christian faith in a turbulent world as well as enhanced practical skills for guiding the faith community toward spiritual growth.


Course Objectives

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

  1. Articulate a definition of Christian spirituality that is grounded in scripture, theology, and theory.
  2. Articulate an understanding of the cultural dynamics that impact the spiritual journey.
  3. Articulate an understanding of the congregation’s role in nurturing life-giving faith among individuals and within the life of the community.
  4. Recognize the characteristics of spiritual vitality within congregational life.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of pastors and lay leaders as spiritual guides.
  6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of human development and the spiritual needs of specific populations within the congregation.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of spiritual practices.
  8. Demonstrate practical skills in program development and congregational leadership related to the spiritual growth of individuals and the community.


Brethren Academy Workshop Sandbox Experiment Page

This is the place where you will get to try out the Moodle concepts we are working with in the workshop.

Moodle Introductory Workshop

This is the course designed by Dan Poole for use in the March 10, 2018 BAML Instructors' Orientation to Moodle.