About NNU’s Graduate School of Theology Certificate Programs

Path B: Certificate in Spiritual Formation Studies
Can be completed in as few as 9 months.

Complete PRTH6000L. Personal Development Lab (0)

And complete two of the following courses:

• ​PRTH6180. Formational Practicum (4)
• PRTH6880. Nurturing the Inner Life (4)
• PRTH7580. Spirituality of Soul Care (4)
• PRTH7980. Spiritual Direction (4)

And complete two of the following courses:

• ​BIBL7290. Grounded in the Living Word: Scripture and the Christian Life (4)
• CHIS6290. Founded on Embodied Tradition: Church History and the Christian Life (4)
• PHIL7290. Reflecting on Character: Philosophy and the Christian Life (4)
• THEO6290. Engaging with Prophetic Voices: Theology and the Christian Life (4)

16 Required Credits

BIBL7290 – Grounded in the Living Word: Scripture and the Christian Life (4 credits)

This course explores the dynamics and power of Scripture in spiritual formation, personal transformation, and the Christian life. A key aspect of this course is an understanding and development of biblical hermeneutical principles and practices that focus not only on the biblical text’s content but also on its potential effects as part of the church’s Scripture. In addition to learning about life with God from Scripture, successful students can gain competence in listening to the spirit of the text, move from informational reading to transformational reading, and learn to engage Scripture in ways that grasp and change one’s being and doing.

CHIS6290 – Founded on Embodied Tradition: Church History and the Christian Life (4 credits)

This course is designed to provide an historic underpinning for the practice of ministry in the Wesleyan tradition. Emphasis is placed on Wesley’s theological sources (Early Church, Medieval, Reformation, Anglican), his theological methodology, his theology of spiritual formation, and his ability to engage his cultural context. Particular attention is given to how students can pursue personal and social holiness, and develop effective and dynamic missional approaches to leadership.

PHIL7290 – Reflecting on Character: Philosophy and the Christian Life (4 credits)

This course explores Christian ethics from a philosophical perspective. Students engage in biblical, theological and philosophical reflection, study dominant approaches to ethical thinking, and examine contemporary moral problems. Particular emphasis is placed on developing critical reflection skills, rather than finding answers to various ethical questions. This course also facilitates a deeper understanding of character formation and sharpens one’s discernment as to how theological and philosophical reflection helps shape Christian practice.

PRTH6000 – OnRamp Program Orientation (0 credits)

This course orients the student to the resources, procedures, electronic operations, and expectations of the program, and also includes the completion of the California Psychological Inventory (CPI), which students will discuss in PRTH6000L, as well as a required criminal background check. Grade of Pass/Fail.

PRTH6180 – Formational Practicum (4 credits)

This course examines the discipline of spiritual formation with particular emphasis on student participation in spiritual practices and a reflection on their impact in a student’s personal spiritual formation and ministry contexts.

PRTH6880 – Nurturing the Inner Life (4 credits)

This course explores the lifelong processes and goals of Christian spiritual formation from biblical, theological, psychological, and historical perspectives. Students practice historic Christian disciplines as means of grace to promote intimacy with God, healthier physical and emotional habits, maturing character, and love for others.

PRTH7580 – Spirituality of Soul Care (4 credits)

This is a course designed to give a small-group, intensive experience in which the relationship between spiritual formation and ordained ministry is considered. The course includes examination of the minister as person, professional, and practitioner. The small group will be located in the locale of the student. It will be made up of ministers and laypersons who will provide an optimum group experience.

PRTH7980 – Spiritual Direction (4 credits)

This course explores the meaning, place, models, and dynamics of the ministry of spiritual direction. Participants will consider the place of spiritual direction within their own ministries and, with their mentor, explore facets of giving and receiving spiritual direction. A reflective journal will be required.

THEO6290 – Engaging with Prophetic Voices: Theology and the Christian Life (4 credits)

Students reflect theologically on life and ministry by exploring various sources of theological reflection. In particular, dominant themes and figures in contemporary theology are explored, especially voices and perspectives that are often overlooked. In this exploration, students compare and contrast distinctive characteristics of Wesleyan theology, including various understandings of holiness, with issues found in contemporary theology. This course explores issues of holiness and justice and how the Church can better live into the reign of God for all and not just those in power.

NNU’s Graduate School of Theology is accredited by The Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools. The following degree programs are approved by The Commission on Accrediting: Master of Divinity; Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry; and Master of Arts in Leadership & Formation with specializations in Missional Leadership; Spiritual Formation; and Youth, Children & Family Ministry.

Since 1930, NNU has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities, the same respected accrediting body that validates other leading educational institutions across the Pacific Northwest.