This seminar is designed to give understanding and experience of the spiritual life and its disciplines, as defined by the New Testament and the history of the disciples of Jesus. To do so, it is offered in a retreat setting. The course will include a study of classics in the field of Christian spirituality, along with some historical and systematic treatments. This is to be substantially completed before the seminar sessions. A special focus is placed on the spiritual life and disciplines in the context of Christian ministry. The design of this course is unique and much unlike other Fuller Doctor of Ministry courses. Residence at the retreat center is a required element of the course. There is no commuting option. This allows for a time of personal renewal, reflection, and community building. In addition, spouses and families are not permitted to attend the course with the student. This maximizes the effectiveness of the course and permits time for solitude and silence.  

What Others Have Thought:  

"This course has challenged my assumptions big time, particularly in how I expect the spiritual disciplines to change my habits and practices. I have never been so convincingly challenged to slow down and live more intentionally instead of reactively."  

"This course definitely lives up to its hype as life changing. I will return with a new set of priorities, a renewed spirit and needing to reflect further and then apply what I have learned."    

Course Project:   

Students will do a project that explores their experience with spiritual disciplines, during and after the seminar.   

Sample Readings From This Course May Include:   

Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. Harper Collins, 1998.  

Merton, Thomas. The Wisdom of the Desert. W. W. Norton & Co., 1960.   

Nouwen, Henri. Creative Ministry. Doubleday, 1978.    

Willard, Dallas. The Spirit of the Disciplines. Harper Collins, 1991.     

If you would like more information about this course please email the DMIN office at dmin@fuller.edu 

For a sample course description please click here.  NOTE: This is not to be used as a source for course preparation.