The nature of theological education within the local missional community is examined. It explores and analyzes the intersection of communicative action, the relationality of the Triune God, and the interpersonal dynamic of adult learning, allowing the missional leader to create democratic and generative spaces for theological training.

What does it mean to be a spiritual caregiver? How does one provide spiritual care in a world increasingly resistant to organized religion and institutional structures? This course engages what it means to be an instrument of Christ in a world with increasing meaninglessness and hopelessness. In this course, students will examine the biblical foundations of spiritual caregiving, the interpersonal development of spiritual caregivers, and the capacity of spiritual caregiving to generate personal and societal transformation. This foundational course prepares spiritual caregivers to go on towards a caregiving specialty.

In order to effectively care for others, the caregiver must also care for self. This course uses the concept of an ongoing development and maturation of a strong faith in God to explore multiple aspects of self-care for spiritual and healthcare providers. Ample opportunities for developing and implementing a customized plan of self-care are included.

Spiritual caregiving and care receiving is often a rite of passage of and by elderly individuals. The context, culture, faith tradition and levels of health and wellness help define how these roles play out for each family and individual. Spiritual caregiving can aid in physical healing, easing spiritual and physical pain. Giving spiritual care is also part of the lifecycle stages of generativity and passing on important information and life goals. Understanding the nuances of spiritual care needs of elderly in a variety of settings is paramount in order to facilitate the transitions and hone skills applicable for all disciplines and walks of life.

This course examines the problem of mental illness. There will be an emphasis on analyzing various programs and approaches to people with mental illness. Students will evaluate spiritual programs that serve this population. There will be an introduction to spiritually-modified psychotherapies and how they may be used in this context. Those who take this course will examine various programs created by churches that serve this population.

In this course, students will examine the nature of terminal illness and the inevitability of death. Looking at the physical and spiritual dimensions of dying, students will develop a spiritual care philosophy and practice that will equip them to provide spiritual care to the dying.