We at RMSMT are excited to announce our two new programs in spiritual formation: Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Certificate in Spiritual Formation. The programs begin this fall semester, 2021, and have the goal of strengthening the student’s relationship with Jesus while instructing the student how to direct others in the art of holistic Christian spirituality. As one grows in his or her relationship with Christ, he or she develops the mind of Christ and transforms more and more into his likeness. As this happens a person experiences more and more shalom, joy, and connectedness to God and others.
In these programs, students will students will:
- Learn the theology and theory of spiritual formation.
- Study and practice the spiritual disciplines that lead to spiritual formation. Learn the varieties of Christian spiritual practice and experience that practice.
- Identify and initiate changes in character, behavior, relationships, vision, values, ministry, influence, and servant leadership.
- Enrich and deepen their experiential relationship with Jesus.
- Discover how to build a ministry of spiritual formation.
The main professors are Dr. Steve Kinnard and Robert Carrillo. The entire program can be done completely online.
Here below are the courses and requirements for these programs:
1. Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation (36 semester hours, 12 courses of 3 credits each)
A Master’s degree in spiritual formation allows the student time, space, and opportunity to experience a personal spiritual journey of transformation while learning spiritual disciplines that will foster spiritual growth in other disciples and in their spiritual community. The student will explore how the church has practiced spiritual formation throughout its history. If the student takes two courses per semester, the program can be completed in two years.
Prerequisite: Approved Bachelor’s Degree in Any Discipline
A. Required Core Courses:
- From the Biblical Field (four courses)
- OT600 Introduction to the Old Testament
- NT600 Introduction to the New Testament
- GB 615 Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis
- Choose either CT611 Introduction to Christian Theology or CH600 Church History
- From the Spiritual Formation Field (four courses)
- SF601 Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Spirituality (Spiritual Formation Foundations)
- SF602 The History and Theology of Spiritual Formation
- SF603 Jesus and Spiritual Formation (and the Spiritual Disciplines) (Same as CM654 and CT654)
- SF604 Classics in Spiritual Formation
B. Elective Courses (4 courses): Choose 4 additional courses: Choose 2 additional courses from the Spiritual Formation (SF) department and 2 courses from any of the following departments: Spiritual Formation (SF), Christian Counseling (CC), General Bible (GB), New Testament (NT), Old Testament (OT), or Christian Theology (CT). Also, students may use SF690 Spiritual Formation Practicum or SF695 Spiritual Formation Retreat or SF700 Spiritual Formation Capstone Research Paper for one of these electives when approved by a faculty advisor.
C. Required Spiritual Direction Module : Over the course of study each student is
expected to meet periodically with their spiritual advisor to discuss their spiritual development.
D. University Studies (0 credit hours but required): US500 Introduction to Graduate Studies at RMSMT
2. Certificate in Spiritual Formation (6 Pass/No Pass Courses, Non-Credit/Non-Degree)
This Certificate in Spiritual Formation is an online certificate program designed for spiritual transformation. This program will strengthen the student’s relationship with Jesus while instructing the student how to direct others in the art of holistic Christian spirituality. The student will learn devotional practices that lead to both personal and communal transformation.
This certificate is open to anyone with a high school diploma and is designed especially for students who are not seeking a formal theological degree. Students do not need to have a college degree, however, the coursework does require proficient reading and writing skills. Lessons and readings are accessible to everyone, but they are also deep, intelligent, and challenging. If the student takes one course per semester, the program can be completed in two years.
Prerequisite: High School Diploma
A. Required Courses:
- CSF1 Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Spirituality (Spiritual Formation Foundations)
- CSF2 The History and Theology of Spiritual Formation
- CSF3 Jesus and Spiritual Formation (and the Spiritual Disciplines)
- CSF4 Classics of Spiritual Formation
- CSF5 Biblical Spirituality
B. Elective Course: Choose one additional course from the Spiritual Formation
Department. Students may also choose an approved Spiritual Retreat or Practicum to fulfill this elective in consultation with a faculty advisor.
C. Spiritual Direction Module: Over the course of study each student is expected to
meet periodically with their spiritual advisor and discuss their spiritual development.
D. University Studies (0 credit hours but required): US500 Introduction to Graduate Studies at RMSMT
If you are interested in beginning one of these programs to deepen your spiritual experience with Jesus please complete our application and send it to me at [email protected]. If you have further questions about these programs, please send a note to myself at [email protected] or Dr. Steve Kinnard at [email protected].
“ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light .” – Matthew 11: 28-30
Blessings, Joy, and Peace,
Glenn W. Giles, PhD
Director
Rocky Mountain School of Ministry and Theology
Denver, Colorado
303-437-3807
[email protected]
www.rmsmt.org
