Spiritual Formation Goes to College: Class-Related “Soul Projects” in Christian Higher Education

Abstract

Spiritual formation is both an opportunity and a challenge for educators in Christian colleges and seminaries. How can students be nurtured and guided in developing spiritually within the curriculum? Drawing on a number of educators, studies, and arguments, this article develops a rationale for engaging in spiritual formation and for the use of practical assignments or “soul projects.” A selection of such projects is grouped into genres, followed by a brief exploration of best practices and an evaluation of such assignments.

Reading the Old Testament as Story: A Pedagogy for Spiritual Formation

“…This is understandable since there is little consensus as to defining and measuring spiritual formation. Helpful at this point is D. Setran et al (2010) who argue that, in terms of evaluating spiritual formation, process is more important than product. Focusing on the process of spiritual formation will thus mean focusing on a person's ongoing experience with God.…”

“…Moreover, recent research done by Setran, Wilhoit, Ratcliff, and Hasse (2010) proposes that spiritual formation among college students is best facilitated when students are actively engaged in "inner work" involving selfreflection and contemplation as part of the curricular classroom experience. This research also argues that the spiritual formation of college students is most likely to occur when faculty encourage the process by creating assignments that allow students to engage in classroom-related "formation work" that fosters student engagement with God.…”

The Ministry of … Grading?

“…Finally, soul-projects have also emerged as a means for intentional spiritual formation in the curricular scope of a given course. These may include reflective exercises, personal spiritual statements, accountability groups, prayer groups, spiritual disciplines, spiritual journaling, spiritual identity forming exercises, and so forth, that may be included strategically in any course (Coe, 2000;Setran, Wilhoit, Ratcliff, Hasse, & Rosema, 2010). These are all promising developments in light of the full vocation of the teacher.…”

Narrative Discipleship: Guiding Emerging Adults to “Connect the Dots” of Life and Faith

“…The idea of narrative in Christianity is not new (A. E. S. Wimberly, 2005;Setran, Wilhoit, Ratcliff, Haase, & Rosema, 2010). We often speak of the Bible as the biblical narrative.…”