INSTITUTE for CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY at Lipscomb University
DISCOVER THE STORY The Institute for Christian Spirituality nurtures the personal discipleship of Christ followers by cultivating a deeper awareness and participation in the Holy Spirit s redemptive activity among us, within us, and through us in the world. ICS pursues this mission by exploring spiritually forming practices and facilitating the journey with others through spiritual friendships and spiritual direction.
THE WORK OF GOD The Institute defines Christian spirituality as the work of God in human lives. As disciples of Jesus in pursuit of His kingdom, we experience ongoing transformation by the activity of the Holy Spirit within us. We respond to that grace by embodying Christ personally and collectively in faith communities. All the programs of ICS focus on this loving work of God the Father in his Son Jesus who lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We do not know how to love God or neighbor redemptively except through Christ who lives in us. Christian spirituality encompasses different ways we can open our hearts and lives to give and receive the love of God.
THE WORK of the Institute
A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M S The Institute offers masters and diploma programs designed to deepen the spiritual life of participants so that they in turn can live more fruitful lives as servants in the kingdom of God. Each program integrates experiential and scholarly training, preparing students to ser ve the kingdom missionally in both professional and lay ministries such as preaching, youth work, adult ministries, spiritual direction, leadership, mentoring, and discipleship. The Doctor of Ministry degree in Missional Formation also equips people for teaching spiritual formation in a Christian university or seminary. VOCATIONAL SPIRITUALITY ICS encourages the integration of faith into all aspects of life. Workshops, seminars, and other experiences explore the missional nature of vocation.
SPIRITUAL DEEPENING ICS offers seminars and retreats that focus on personal spiritual growth. The Institute also encourages participation in the one-year extended certificate program. This experience provides immersion into a praying community to share this particular spiritual journey, two residential retreats that provide fellowship and materials towards a deeper walk with God, and a structured mentoring relationship to provide additional conversation, prayer, and other resources throughout the year.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION The Institute trains both paid and volunteer church leaders and their families to guide others more effectively in spiritual formation through seminars and retreats. ICS also offers an 18-month residential program in spiritual direction that prepares people for the ministry of oneon-one spiritual companionship. The program provides directed readings, contact with a spiritual mentor, two residential retreats with other participants and staff, integrative response papers, and a supervised internship in spiritual direction.
CONFERENCES Regular conferences for the general public bring nationally known speakers on Christian spirituality to the Lipscomb campus. These opportunities allow for dialogue and reflection on living out God s kingdom practices in particular situations. RESEARCH, WRITING& SCHOLARSHIP The Institute shares the work of its faculty and students as well as other resources that promote the spiritual health of individuals and churches. These materials include writings, research, grant work related to the mission of ICS, and other dialogues with the larger Christian community about Christian spirituality. CONSULTATION The faculty and fellows of ICS are available for consultation with ministers, churches, and other groups who desire spiritual guidance and training.
ICS owes much to the work of Dr. Carl McKelvey. His dream of providing a place of spiritual renewal for weary believers, particularly preachers and elders, has helped bring about this moment. The Center f or S p i r i t u a l R e n e w a l began in 1989 under his direction. It offers various opportunities for renewal through prayer, study, and seminars. In 1999, the Center moved into the Longview Manor and was empowered with financial support by a generous endowment. In 2009, discussions of how to enhance the ministr y of the Center led to the founding of ICS. Carl s programs at Longview will continue to be one of the many offerings of the Institute. H I S T O R Y
JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF ICS Our web site offers many resources around spiritual formation. Information about upcoming events, subscriptions to various newsletters, interactive blogs from ICS faculty, links to other organizations centered on Christian spirituality, and other materials are provided as aids for your spiritual journey. Attendance at our annual Spring conference gives you many opportunities to network with others passionate about deepening their spiritual lives. Visit us at www.ics.lipscomb.edu. BECOME AN ASSOCIATE OF ICS The Institute relies on the continued support of individuals and groups to fulfill its mission. Associates partner with us financially, helping the Institute expand its activity and offerings. If you are interested in serving ICS as an Associate, contact Frank Guertin (frank.guertin@lipscomb.edu) for more information.
INSTITUTE FACULTY Earl Lavender is the executive director of ICS. He teaches classes in missions, spiritual formation, and faith and culture. He currently serves as the director of missional studies. He completed his B.S. and M.A. at Lipscomb and his Ph.D. at St. Louis University. Earl has ministered in Italy, Illinois, and Tennessee. Jackie L. Halstead is the associate director of ICS and associate professor of Spiritual Formation. She holds certificates from two programs with the Shalem Institute- -Spiritual Guidance and Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats and is a member of the Lay Cistercians of Gethsemani Abbey. Jackie has a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy and specializes in working with clergy and their families. Frank Guertin is the coordinating director of development for ICS. He completed his B.A. at Ohio Valley University and his M.Ed. and M.T.S. at Lipscomb. Frank has ministered at two different congregations in middle Tennessee, focusing on the spiritual development of adult members. Rhonda Lowry is a senior fellow at ICS. She completed her M.Div. degree and taught at Fuller Theological Seminary and Pepperdine University. Rhonda is a frequent speaker nationwide in programs dedicated to enabling Christians to know Jesus deeply and to serve him in the everyday places of their lives. Carl McKelvey is a senior fellow at ICS. Holding degrees from Lipscomb, Scaritt College, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Carl served 32 years as the Executive Vice President of Administration at Lipscomb. He retired in 2002 and is currently the director of the Center for Spiritual Renewal at Longview Manor.
Institute for Christian Spirituality Lipscomb University One University Park Drive Nashville, TN 37204-3951 (615) 966-5352 ics.lipscomb.edu