NORTHWIND DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Michael J. Christensen, Ph.D., Professor of Theology and Center Director
The Masters and Doctorate in Specialized Ministry degrees with a concentration in Spiritual Formation at Northwind Seminary are intended for religious professionals who desire to teach spiritual formation, lead spiritual practice groups, and/or offer individual spiritual direction within their faith tradition.
“Spiritual formation, I have come to believe, is not about steps or stages on the way to perfection. It’s about the movements from the mind to the heart through prayer in its many forms that reunite us with God, each other, and our truest selves.” -- Henri Nouwen
At the intersection of theology (study of God) and psychology (study of human psyche) is the place of spirituality. One of the leading voices in Christian spirituality is psychologist-priest Henri J. M. Nouwen, author of over 40 books on the spiritual life. Spiritual Formation, according to Nouwen, is the shaping of the human heart or deepest self, through intentional spiritual practices, leading to communion, community, and compassion in the world.
Professor Michael Christensen (a former graduate student of Nouwen’s at Yale) describes Nouwen’s unique contribution to the field of pastoral psychology and spiritual development, this way: “Nouwen turned the ladder of divine ascent on its side and taught spiritual formation as a series of horizontal movements of the heart, back and forth, that require daily devotion and discipline, with the goal of human wholeness rather than divine perfection.”
The Northwind Certificate and Degree Programs in Spiritual Formation focus on the distinctive contribution of Henri Nouwen to spiritual direction, formation and discernment; as well as on the classical sources in the history of Christian spirituality that informed his unique approach. The practical focus of this concentration is on the dynamic process, practices, states, stages, movements, and various approaches to adult spiritual formation within the Christian tradition.
A Doctor in Specialized Ministry degree is a professional doctorate in a specific understanding of ministry. Similar to the Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin), the DSMin requires 36 credit-hours of professional study leading to portfolio research, and paper which is reviewed by a faculty committee.
A Doctor in Contextualized Ministry degree is a professional doctorate in a specific practice of ministry. Similar to the Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin), the DCMin requires 36 credit-hours of professional study leading to portfolio research, project, and paper, reviewed by a faculty committee.
These degrees are ideal for those who desire guided education and supervised project development with direct application to the understanding or practice of ministry.
Though not academic teaching degrees, these doctoral programs prepare
candidates for the highest level of professional development offered by a theological seminary.
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Director of The Center for Theology, Spirituality, and Ministry at Northwind
Professor of Theology & Spiritual Formation, Academic Dean
Meet Michael J. Christensen (M.A., Yale; Ph.D., Drew University), a noted expert in the life and works of Henri Nouwen. Michael is co-editor of The Heart of Henri Nouwen, The Nouwen Trilogy (Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation, and Discernment) and Partakers of the Divine Nature: the History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions.
Faculty Mentors in Northwind’s Spiritual Formation Program
Core faculty, visiting professors, and guest lecturers serve as Faculty Mentors in the program, offering original lectures, recommended resources, and periodic participation in group discussions and doctoral committees. In addition to Professor Christensen, this year’s program faculty include:
Spiritual Formation Degrees are offered by Northwind Seminary
A Certificate in Spiritual Formation is offered by Northwind Institute.
Featured Video: Introduction to Spiritual Formation
with Dr. Michael J. Christensen
Master's Degree
Contextual Ministry
30 Credit Hours
Four 3- Credit Courses:
Introduction to Graduate Studies
Nouwen Spiritual Direction
Nouwen Spiritual Formation
Nouwen Spiritual Discernment
Three 6-Credit Courses:
Capstone Research
Capstone Project
Capstone Paper
Doctoral Degree
Contextualized Ministry
36 Credit Hours
Four 3-Credit Courses:
Christian Tradition
Nouwen Spiritual Direction
Nouwen Spiritual Formation
Nouwen Spiritual Discernment
Four 6-Credit Courses:
Portfolio Methods
Portfolio Research I
Portfolio Project
Portfolio Paper
Master's Degree
Specialized Ministry
30 Credit Hours
Four 3- Credit Courses:
Introduction to Graduate Studies
Nouwen Spiritual Direction
Nouwen Spiritual Formation
Nouwen Spiritual Discernment
Three 6-Credit Courses:
Capstone Research I
Capstone Research II
Capstone Paper
Doctoral Degree
Specialized Ministry
36 Credit Hours
Four 3-Credit Courses:
Christian Tradition
Nouwen Spiritual Direction
Nouwen Spiritual Formation
Nouwen Spiritual Discernment
Four 6-Credit Courses:
Portfolio Methods
Portfolio Research I
Portfolio Research II
Portfolio Paper
Faculty-Mentor Directed
The Faculty Mentor facilitates scheduled video conversations and participates in the portfolio preparation and examination.
Online and Flexible
Students set their own schedule and proceed at their own pace. Each course can be completed within 30 to 90 days.
Capstone Experience
Students in Master's Programs journey through a series of research milestones to generate the final Capstone Project that addresses a
Need or Opportunity in their ministry context.
Portfolio Experience
Students journey through a series of research milestones to generate the final Project Portfolio that addresses a new understanding of their approach to ministry.