Spiritual Formation February 24-25, 2012
(Immigrant Lay Leader Training/Hispanic Phase II)
This workshop in spiritual formation is open to church educators, elders, deacons, and other church leaders. It provides those who are involved with Christian education with advanced resources and skills essential for effective teaching of the Bible in the faith community. Read more.
Instructor: Elizabeth Arredondo
Old Testament Survey & Interpretation February 25, 2012
(Immigrant Lay Leader Training/Hispanic)
Participants will survey the Hebrew Scripture texts as the mission initiative of God choosing Israel and calling out this nation to be God’s witness to all nations. We will explore the history of God’s people being faithful and unfaithful to this missionary vocation in times of exile. Read more.
Instructor: Benjamin Reyes
Thomas Merton and Contemplation March 1- 4, 2012
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
The “Thomas Merton Course” will focus on his life and work. His life before Gethsemane was one of wandering and seeking; after entering the Order he became a disciplined follower, author, novice master and strong social reformer. Read more.
Instructor: Dr. Ben Campbell Johnson
HOMILECTICS March 10, 2012
(ILLT - Immigrant Lay Leader Training - Hispanic Track)
Participants will learn the nature and role of preaching in Reformed Christian worship and develop preaching skills that include the results of biblical interpretation into a sermon that addresses the particular needs of the congregation. Read more.
Instructor: Rev. Jonier Orozco
Sacred Listening: Group Spiritual Direction March 11-14, 2012
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
Sacred listening as practiced in group spiritual direction is a unique and powerful way of tending to the Spirit of God in our daily lives. Gathered in circles of 5 or 6, we listen for the deep stirrings of the Spirit, who is alive within, among and around us in ever surprising and transforming ways. Read more.
Instructors: Lalor Cadley and Patience Robbins
Biblical and Reformed Theological Foundations March 11-14, 2012
(Compass Points)
This course will explore biblical foundations, methods of interpretation and resources for scriptural study within the unique context of camp and conference ministry. Participants will be introduced to the basics of reformed theology, an overview of historical creeds, and how theology shapes the practice of ministry in our camp and conference centers. Read more.
Instructors: William P Brown and Martha Moore-Keish
Program Design and Implementation March 14-17, 2012
(Compass Points)
Course content will include an overview of human growth and developmental in relation to Christian education. Learners will encounter a variety of models of teaching, as well as methods of curriculum and program development, interpretation, implementation, and evaluation in a camp and conference setting. Read more.
Instructors: Kathy Dawson and Joel Winchip
Christian Education March 30-31, 2012
(Immigrant Lay Leader Training-Hispanic Phase II)
This course provides those involved in Christian education with advanced resources and skills essential for effective teaching of the Bible in the faith community. Open to church educators, elders, deacons, and other church leaders. Read more.
Interfaith Contemplative Conference April 13-15, 2012
This conference will explore the contemplative perspectives of five major religions – Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist. Participants will learn the basics of contemplative practice in each religion and hear adherents describe their own experiences. Those who wish to do so may personally engage in the contemplative practice of each faith. The spirit of the conference will be a positive, appreciative attitude toward those of different faiths with the hope of better understanding and deeper relationships.
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Instructors: Coleman Barks (evening concert), Mitch Cohen, Dr. Alan A. Godlas, Jannah Godlas, Carl McColman, Mona Shah-Joshi, the Rev. Robert Thompson, Gareth Young, and Dr. Ben Campbell Johnson
Colman Barks Concert April 14, 2012
Coleman Barks, renowned author of nearly 20 books of translations of the Persian mystical poet Rumi, makes a rare appearance in Atlanta on Saturday, April 14 at 7 PM at Columbia Theological Seminary. Titled “I Am Inside Your Thirst: Rumi’s Poetry with Music,” the evening features Barks reading some of Rumi’s most haunting, mystical poems.
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Capstone Retreat April 13-14, 2012
(YMLI Certificate Program)
This event is open to those who have completed the seven other YMLI courses. It will provide a time for reflection on the lessons learning during the certificate program and looking ahead to next steps in the journey of youth ministry. The weekend includes a service of dedication for those who will receive their completed certificates. Read more.
Instructors: Rodger Nishioka and Sarah Erickson
Living Prayer: April 26-29, 2012
Experiencing Prayer in Many Forms
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
Experiencing Prayer in Many Forms - Experience God in new ways. This experiential prayer retreat will explore a variety of ways to actively engage God in prayer through art, journaling, nature, body movement, scripture, music and silence. Read more.
Instructor: Roberta Parker Martin
In the Warmth of Love's Flame April 30-May 4, 2012
Women’s Contemplative Retreat (Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
Exploring the Sacred Mystery of God's Love - Each Spring Columbia Seminary offers a contemplative retreat for women--open not just to members of the CTS community, but to any woman seeking a deeper experience of God. Under the sheltering arms of the Benedictine Monastic Community of Cullman AL, we will explore the mystery of God's great love and longing for us, and seek ways to open more fully to this transformational experience. Read more
Instructor: Lalor Cadley and Sister Kathleen
Breathing Life into Young Adult Ministries May 1-4, 2012
(Thompson Scholars 2012)
How can our congregations reach and disciple young adults, in an age when so many young adults see the church as unhelpful or non-essential? That’s the challenge participants in the 2012 Thompson Scholars seminar will explore. This application-only seminar is designed for senior pastors; pastors of young adult ministries; and leaders in churches with an absence of young adults, or who want to make their young adult ministries more vibrant.
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Confluence 2012 July 16-19, 2012
(Korean Worship and Music Conference)
“Worship Educationally ~ Educate Worshipfully” is the theme for the 2012 Korean Worship and Music Conference. To celebrate the third and final year of the Confluence educational research project for Asian American congregations, this year the Worship Conference and Confluence Project are holding their conference together. This conference will explore the educational significance of Christian worship experience, as well as how teachers’ spirituality is nurtured in worshipful hearts and minds during educational experiences. Read more.
Instructors: Timothy D. Son; Kathy Dawson, Russell Ye
Immersion Experience: July 22-27, 2012
An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life (Cert. in Spiritual Formation)
This course will explore the origins of the Christian Spiritual Tradition. Participants will study the formative elements of Biblical Spirituality, Monastic Spirituality, and Reformed Spirituality. This course is the starting place for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Participants not enrolled in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation are welcome! Read More.
Instructors: CTS Faculty
Growing in Wholeness: August 23-26, 2012
Spiritual Formation and the Adult Life Span
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation) Across cultures, adulthood is understood as a time to fulfill roles and responsibilities to family, community, and society as a contributing member. Yet, there are many nuances during the sixty or so years that make up the adulthood. This course will observe the research in the field of adult developmental psychology, and how the patterns of adult development can lead to a deeper appreciation of natural movements in spiritual formation for adults. Read more.
Instructor: Lou Kavar
Embodied Spirituality: September 20-23, 2012
Embracing the Fullness of Life
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation) St. Irenaeus wrote, "The Glory of God is the human person fully alive." What does it mean? Is it possible to be fully human and to live fully alive? In this course we will consider the body as primary instrument of learning and knowing and as central to our connection and experience of God. Read more.
Instructor: Debra Weir
Seminar to Greece: October 2-12, 2012
Pauline Theology and Eastern Orthodox Spirituality
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation) The Seminar to Greece is a journey of a lifetime as we travel to Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, the place where much of the ministry of the apostle Paul took place, and where the early history of the church was deeply influenced. We will walk in the steps of St. Paul exploring the Epistles that he wrote and learning from recent scholarship the various possibilities for understanding and interpreting his theology and its contemporary significance. We will share together in daily worship and prayer, and explore some of the spiritual riches of Eastern Orthodox spirituality. Read more.
Instructors: Bruce Rigdon, Deedra Rich
Exploring Wisdom’s Wonder October 25-28, 2012
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
One of the greatest hymns of the church is "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," which has in its final stanza, "lost in wonder, love, and praise." Today it seems we are losing wonder more than getting lost in it. This class will explore the power and spiritual relevance of wonder in the life of faith. Read more.
Instructor: William P. Brown
Personnel and Leadership Course November 8-10, 2012
(Compass Points)
Compass Points is a joint certification program offered by the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA) and Columbia Theological Seminary. The focus of this class is Christian leadership, which is key to effective camp and conference ministry. Participants will explore staffing models that achieve both programmatic and mission goals. An introduction into human resource issues and staff development will be covered. Read more.
Instructors: TBA, Joel Winchip, Executive Director, PCCCA, facilitator
Spiritual Practice: A Way of Life November 11-16, 2012
(Certificate in Spiritual Formation)
Many of us long to deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our spiritual lives. This class will examine and experience many spiritual practices, traditional and organic, available to us and to our congregations. Read more.
Instructor: Jane Vennard
