|
What is Christian Formation?
|
Defining Christian formation is not easy. "Christian" designates the faith perspective, and "formation" implies improvement. Thus Christian Formation refers to the spiritual progress of Christians, and ways to encourage that growth process. Yet there are many ways to envision the spiritual life of the Christian, both theologically and developmentally. Historically, the roots of the Christian formation program are in Christian education, which continues to be the name of Wheaton's undergraduate program.
Yet, in addition to education, this area of study also includes the experience of God and a developing relationship with Him, the result of one's cooperation with God's grace. Furthermore, spiritual formation does not exclusively consider the individual, but also includes relationships and worship in the broader faith community (the church), particiularly as that community mirrors the relationality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Career Opportunities with a degree in
Christian Education / Christian Formation
We are committed to teaching and mentoring students to prepare them for effective ministry in a wide variety of settings. While the discipline is not linked to any specific vocation, students majoring in Christian Education / Christian Formation generally focus on age-specific ministries and/or church or parachurch work. Examples of areas where graduates may be employed include:
- Higher Education
- Campus Ministry (e.g. student development)
- College, Military, or Prison Chaplaincy
- Christian Camping
- Christian School Leadership / Ministry
- Cross-Cultural Ministry
- Evangelistic Ministry
- Inner City Ministry
- Instructional Design
- Curriculum Writing
- Local Church Ministry
- Parachurch Ministry
- Children's Ministry
- Christian Education Director
- Religious Education Director
- Family Ministry
- Marriage Ministry / Enrichment
- Youth Ministry
- Discipleship / Small Groups Ministry
- Missions
- Parachurch Ministry
- Sports Ministry
- Ministry-Related Research
- Women's Ministry
- Men's Ministry
- Care and Counseling Ministry
|
| |
|
News and Recent Events
NEW TRANSLATION AND PUBLICATIONS
Baker Books announced that Introduction to Psychology and Counseling, which was revised for the second edition by Don Ratcliff, has been translated into a third language, Russian, and work is now begining on an Arabic translation. It was previously published in Indonesian and Korean. Dr. Ratcliff also announced that Transformation journal published his article "Qualitative Data Analysis and the Transforming Moment," and the Christian Education Journal published "Sociology and Anthropology as Promising Areas of Insight" coauthored by Ratcliff and Bryan Howell in the Anthropology department.
NEW FACEBOOK PAGES
The CFM department has now entered a new era of pop culture involvement, with two department web pages on Facebook. Why two pages? The first page created emphasizes spiritual formation and experience, which is an important part of the CFM curriculum. After it was developed, it was felt that another page would attract people specifically looking for a page with Wheaton College in the title. Thus a second page was developed, similar to the first.
Christian Formation and Spiritual Experience:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12706237860
Wheaton College - Christian Formation Graduate Program:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14881679878
Actually, most of the professors in the department have been on Facebook for months, if not longer. Stop by and take a look at the new department Facebook pages soon--and become "friends" with your faculty. [Note that Facebook requires a free registration to access most sites.]
NEW BOOK BY JIM WILHOIT
Baker Books announced the publication of Jim Wilhoit's new book Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered. Here is their brief description: Spiritual formation is undoubtedly a timely and popular topic in our materialistic culture. Plenty of high-quality books have been published, including the works of Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Yet most of these resources focus on the individual. James Wilhoit leads readers in a new direction by focusing on the impact that Christian community can have on spiritual development in Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered. Also unique to this treatment is its historical and ecumenical approach. Perhaps the most important metaphor throughout the text is that of a journey. Spiritual progress is not a destination; instead, it is a continuous process. Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered offers an introduction to spiritual formation set squarely in the local church. As such it is appropriate for professors and students (both undergraduate and graduate) but it is also helpful for church leaders and spirituality readers. Features that enhance this work include its brief chapters, sidebar content, and for further reading annotations.
|
|
|
Integrative Seminar Retreat
(Graduate Students, Spring, 2008)
NEW CLASSES THIS FALL
"The Biblical Holy Days" will be taught by Don Ratcliff (graduate or undergraduate credit available). This class involves a survey of the seven feasts described in the Pentateuch, as well as Purim (from the book of Esther). Jewish practices and understandings, as well as Christian implications, will be explored. The Fall holidays will also be celebrated in the class in a wide variety of ways. Each student will explore a specific holiday of their own choice in depth. We will also engage in Jewish folk dancing, shofar blowing, and a number of other fun activities. See the course web page for more details.
"Experiencing God: Exploring Themes in Spiritual Thology" is to be taught by Tom Schwanda [although this is an undergraduate class, it can be taken for graduate credit]. The class is concerned with how we think about God and how we live our lives with God and others. Therefore, this course seeks to integrate the principles and practices of doctrine and life. Special attention will be placed upon our exprience of God and how we can reflect upon those experiences to deepen our knowledge and love of God and our neighbor. Some of the themes to be explored include: How can you better understand the various movements and phases of your spiritual journey and the Christian life? By reflecting on them can you encourage your own deepening spiritual growth in wholeness in Christ? How can you integrate doctrine and devotion, along with belief and practice in your personal and communal life? [adapted from brochure]
The First Annual Symposium (February, 2008)
Honeyrock Camp
Contact Information
Christian Formation
and Ministry Department
Billy Graham Center
Dr. Barrett
McRay, Department Chair
Dept. Phone:
630-752-5196
E-mail: cfm@wheaton.edu |
|
