2021-2022 Student Catalog | Academic Programs | Curriculum

Spiritual Formation

Northeastern Seminary is committed to the personal and spiritual growth of every seminarian. Through an integrative personal and spiritual formation curriculum, students are exposed to the rich resources and disciplines of formative Christian spirituality. The fundamental objectives of Northeastern Seminary include the spiritual as well as the academic preparation of candidates for pastoral and lay ministry. The following are some of the ways the spiritual formation objectives are realized in the Northeastern Seminary community:

At each student's program entry point, they are guided to engage in a prayer walk to nurture their awareness of God's presence in their neighborhood context
An All-Seminary Retreat is held during each fall and spring semester
Readings in formative spirituality and Scripture study are integrated throughout the curriculum (scripture reflection, prayer, journaling, Sabbath/retreat practices)
Classic Christian spiritual practices are experienced by students throughout their seminary study
Students are provided spiritually nurturing resources for life after seminary
M.Div. students are required to take a course in spiritual formation and one in pastoral formation
Spiritual reflection is incorporated into the field education curriculum
As part of their capstone courses, students are guided to reflect on their personal and spiritual growth, and are equipped to attend to spiritual dispositions and practices in their lives and ministries after seminary