Institute of Christian Spirituality launches with March 2 seminar by John Ortberg

Janel Shoun | 

The Lipscomb University College of Bible and Ministry announces the establishment of the Institute for Christian Spirituality (ICS), an organization dedicated to nurturing personal spirituality and discipleship of Christ.

ICS will launch its efforts on March 2 with a free seminar featuring John Ortberg, author of many best-selling books, including his new release The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You.
 
Building on the growing national movement that emphasizes personal spiritual development through spiritual disciplines and spiritual mentorships, ICS will provide academic degrees as well as certificate programs aimed at deepening spirituality in everyday life.
 
Among ICS offerings will be Lipscomb’s first doctorate degree in theology, offered through the Hazelip School of Theology. The Doctorate of Ministry in missional formation is designed to prepare all believers to fully engage with God through all vocations and to help others fully utilize their gifts for the purposes of God.
 
“Core to Lipscomb’s mission is our focus on challenging and strengthening the spiritual life of every student who comes to our campus,” said L. Randolph Lowry, Lipscomb president. “However, outside the classroom and across the nation, there is a growing movement toward personal spiritual growth. This institute is an effort by our distinguished Bible and mission faculty to offer in-depth resources for enhancing spiritual lives as well as provide scholarly research on this faith-changing trend we are currently experiencing in the U.S.”
 
The new Institute will offer:
  • A one-year certificate program to learn and develop spiritual disciplines. With a mentor, students will study deeper methods of prayer, reflections in writing, and scripture study through small group discussions, silent retreat times and fellowship;
  • An 18-month certificate program for individuals who want to become a “spiritual director,” a prayerful friend who provides spiritual mentorship and support to others;
  • A Master of Divinity and a Master in Theological Studies with an emphasis on spiritual formation, offered through the Hazelip School of Theology, and in fall 2011, a proposed doctorate in missional formation;
  • Conferences for the general public on living out God’s kingdom practices; and
  • Academic writings and research on Christian spirituality. 
“Leading spiritual leaders and congregations in our nation realize that people merely participating in program after program does not necessarily build a spiritual relationship with God,” said Earl Lavender, ICS executive director and director of missional studies at Lipscomb. “They are increasingly turning to the classic spiritual disciplines to help people experience a fuller kingdom life. Lipscomb wants to provide resources and scholarship to both spiritual leaders and laypeople that help them address and nurture a deeper spiritual life.”
 
For more information on participating in ICS programs contact Lavender at 615.966.5834 or e-mail ics@lipscomb.edu.
 
Nurture 2010 with John Ortberg
 
ICS’s inaugural event, Nurture 2010 on March 2, will offer a day of free seminars for ministers, other church leaders and individuals interested in enhancing their spiritual lives. The seminar concludes with a 7 p.m. free keynote speech and book signing by Ortberg, pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, Calif., in Lipscomb’s Collins Alumni Auditorium. 
 
Ortberg, a nationally recognized speaker and writer on spiritual formation, has compiled his research, insight and experiences in his latest book, The Me I Want To Be, designed as a practical guide for living the best life possible for God. He is the author of many other books, including The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Growth for Ordinary People, Faith & Doubt and When the Game Is Over, It All Goes.
 
Prior to his work in Menlo Park, Ortberg served as teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, Ill., one of the largest congregations in the nation.
 
Details of the Nurture 2010 seminars are available at ics.lipscomb.edu. Advance registration is recommended and is also available at ics.lipscomb.edu. For more information on this event e-mail ics@lipscomb.edu.