Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality/Spiritual Direction Specialization

Inspiring Mindfulness in the context of the 21st century’s demands

The Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality degree balances a rootedness in the Christian tradition, and the student’s specific faith tradition, with openness to the wisdom of the world’s spiritual beliefs and practices. 

In a global community that has an increasing sensitivity to spirituality, this degree combines training in relevant and healthy spiritual leadership with a trained sensitivity to the particular context of the other. The degree is holistic and interdisciplinary in method, ecumenical and multicultural in scope, and recognizes the interfaith context of contemporary spirituality. It seeks to address the human and spiritual questions that arise within our 21st century pluralistic society; pays special attention to the distinctive sensibilities that inform spirituality in the Pacific Northwest (a hunger for the Sacred, an appreciation for the natural world, openness to informal ways of belonging to spiritual communities, and a pioneering spirit which seeks a more just and peaceful world), while at the same time taking seriously communal and ecclesial realities that question and challenge the cultural value of individualism.

The Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality emphasizes:

• Dynamics of personal and communal transformation
• Ecological awareness and responsibility
• Interplay of the arts, creativity and spirituality
• Experiential dimensions of prayer
• Engagement with contemporary culture
• Leadership skills for effective work and ministry
• Faith that works for justice