Alex Tang
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Books Recommendation
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Medical Students /Paediatric notes
East Asia School of Theology (EAST)
LF550 The Art and Science of Mentoring and Spiritual Direction
21-30 November 2018
Instructor: Alex Tang, MD, PhD
Course Description
Mentoring and spiritual direction in the Christian tradition are spiritually formative and transformative ministries. Like the two disciples and Jesus on the Emmaus road, Christian mentoring and spiritual direction are walking with Jesus and with one another in our Christian journey. There are certain skillset which can be taught in mentoring and in spiritual direction. Yet there is also the ‘art’ side of discernment, listening to one another, and to God, and prayer. Mentoring and spiritual direction are different modalities even though both are involved in Soulcare. This course will deal with the foundations of mentoring and spiritual direction. This will be a practical course to equip participants to be mentors and spiritual directors. This is a 3 credits course.
This course is suitable for Church members, leaders, pastors, seminarians and anyone who is interested in mentoring and spiritual direction.
Course Lecturer
Alex Tang, MD, PhD, FRCPE
Dr Alex Tang is a Consultant Paediatrician in a private hospital in Malaysia, and Associate Professor of Paediatrics in Monash University. He is Adjunct Lecturer in three seminaries in Malaysia and Singapore. His teaching interests are in spiritual formation, new monasticism, spiritual direction and biomedical ethics. Alex is an author, camp and conference speaker, spiritual director, preacher, and mentor to many people. He is currently involved in starting two Spiritual Director Training Programs in Malaysia and Indonesia respectively. He is married with two grown children, two grandchildren and two dogs who thinks they are human. Alex and his family worships at Holy Light Presbyterian Church (English) where Alex is an ordained elder.
Course Objectives
The desired outcomes are that by the end of the course, students are able to
- develop a biblical and theological basis of soulcare which includes mentoring and spiritual direction
- understand the socio-psycho-spiritual dynamics of spiritual formation and transformation
- differentiate the dynamics of spiritual friendship, mentoring, counseling and spiritual direction
- cultivate discernment concerning the movements of the Holy Spirit
- appreciate deep listening
- comfortable with silence
- acquire some basic skills in mentoring and spiritual direction
Course Outline
- The continuum of soul care: spiritual friendship, discipling, mentoring, coaching, counseling and spiritual direction
- Defining mentoring and spiritual direction and its role in spiritual formation and transformation
- Spiritual direction in different traditions (Reformed, Pentecostal, Wesleyan, Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Orthodox, etc)
- Biblical and theological foundations of spiritual formation (concepts from shalom, Trinity, imago dei and missio dei)
- The socio-psycho-spiritual dynamics of spiritual development
- The spiritual life of a spiritual director
- Use of spiritual tools like the enneagram and dreamwork
- The art of listening
- Discernment
- Guidelines in mentoring
- Guidelines in spiritual direction
Course Pedagogy
This course will utilize the latest in adult learning pedagogy which includes
· Self-reflection, solitude, 360 degree evaluation
· Reading, understanding, reflection, application
· Timeline life mapping with reflections with required presentation
· Small group dynamics and learning with video, drama, and role play
· Case studies and group presentation
· Practicum on deep listening, silence, awareness
· Group discussion – problem based, case based, role play
· Written assignments that require research and writing
· Book recommendations
· Course reader in POPULI
Course Text Books
1. Benner, David G., Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002
- Anderson, Keith R. and Randy D. Reese. Spiritual Mentoring. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999
- Course Reader
I have selected books, journals and articles for you which will be comprehensive and useful if you cannot get copies of other recommended texts. These files for the Course Reader is in POPULI in the section Reader.
Course Structure
The course is divided into three segments:
- Pre-campus preparation
- On-campus component
- Post-campus reflecting, assimilating and synthesizing.
1. Pre-campus preparation
a. State your personal goals for attending this course (refer Personal Goals Form in POPULI)
b. Read at least 600 pages from either the Course Text Books and/or Course Reader (in POPULI).
c. Prepare your Personal Timeline Presentation (see below)
2. On-campus component
The on-campus component will be held from Wednesday 21 – Friday 30 November 2018. As this is a compact concise course, all students are expected to attend all the sessions. The following is a guide to the content of the on-campus component. However, there is scope for some flexibility based on the developing class dynamics and needs.
[will insert daily schedule with session themes and practicum here]
3. Post-campus reflecting, assimilating and synthesizing
The book review, reflection, and research papers are to help you reflect, assimilate and synthesize your perception of spiritual formation. See the details below.
Course assessment
Attendance and active participating in the learning process is assumed.
Formal assessment will be based on the following:
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3 credits |
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1. |
Reading |
10% |
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2. |
Personal Timeline Presentation |
20% |
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3. |
Case Studies Presentation |
15% |
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4. |
Book Review |
15% |
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5. |
Reflection Paper |
20% |
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6. |
Research Paper |
20% |
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1. Reading
Required to read at least 600 pages of the recommended readings which include the Course Reader (online in POPULI) and recommended texts. Please attach your reading list and pages to POPULI in folder Reading.
Due date:
2. Personal Timeline Life Map Presentation
a. This exercise is to help you appreciate the hand of God in guiding you to who you are today and highlights the importance of help one another
b. Identify the major events and persons that affected you to become who you are today. Divide your life in segments of 7 years each. What are the significant major persons who helped you either positively or negatively to become who you are and what you are today?
c. Prepare a 5 minutes (maximum) presentation on “Life Map: Helping Hands ”
i. Introduce yourself to the class
ii. Identified the key formative persons
iii. Share how you were affected by these persons
d. Conclude with answering this question “In what ways have God led you to be what you are doing today”
e. You may use PowerPoint but are encouraged to be creative in this presentation.
f. After the discussion, revise your notes and submit a one-page summary (maximum) to POPULI in Folder Personal Timeline Submission.
Due date:
3. Case Studies Presentation
a. Students will be divided into groups and given different case studies.
b. The students are expected to meet together to discuss the case studies, research the topic, come to some consensus on the issues and present to the rest of the class their conclusions during one of the class sessions. Marks will be assigned to the whole group, not individually.
c. During presentation:
i. A hand-out on the topic/issue with relevant references/citation (to be given to lecturer and rest of the class).
ii. A 10 minutes presentation followed by questions and discussion.
d. After the discussion, revise your notes and submit a one-page summary (maximum) by posting it to POPULI in the folder Presentation. Each group is to submit one summary only.
e. All members in a group will receive the same marks.
Due date:
4. Book review
Write a two-page review of one of the course text books.
Submission is by attaching your file to POPULI folder Book Review. Refer to EAST:A Guide to Term Paper Writing 2016-2017 for all written assignments.
See in POPULI for Book Review guideline.
Date due:
5. Reflection paper
The best way to learn is by reflection. Write a reflection paper about what you have learned during the course.
(a) What have you learned about soul care including mentoring and spiritual direction, discernment, work and rest and spiritual formation?
(b) What have you found useful and want to apply in your life?
(c) Are there any areas you feel God is speaking to you about?
The length of the paper should be between 1500-2000 words (about 3-4 pages).
Submission is by attaching your file to POPULI folder Reflection Paper
Due date:
6. Research paper
Write a reflection paper on any topic that is covered in this course. Please confirm with me before writing.
This research process is developed in the following way:
i. identify a problem/topic/issue. It must be related to this course.
ii. read up on the problem/topic/issue
iii. develop a thesis/abstract/outline/solution and framework
iv. read more and reflect on readings
v. start writing
This research paper should be between 3000-4000 words (about 6-8 pages) excluding the reference list.
Submission is by attaching your file to POPULI folder Research Paper
Due date:
Submission of assignments
Students should submit all assignments on time. Late assignments will receive grade reduction as stipulated in the academic regulations (50% of grade). No assignment that is more than 10 days late will be accepted unless the student has received an extension from me. Extension should be approved before the stated datelines.
- Upload your assignment to POPULI (recommended). I will grade and send the graded softcopy with my comments back to you by email.
- Email: You can also send a soft copy of your assignments should be emailed to draltang@yahoo.com. Please send as MS Word document format and not pdf. Acknowledgment of receipt of assignment will normally be sent within 72 hours.
- Submit as hard-copy: please send by mail to Dr. Alex Tang, Johor Specialist Hospital, 39B, Jalan Abdul Samad, 80100 Johor Baru. It is recommended that you register your item. Let me know by email or SMS when you have posted your assignment.
In all cases, ensure that you keep a copy of your submitted assignments in case your copies are lost in transit in cyberspace or the mail.
Recommended Reading List
This list is by no means exhaustive but it contains literature for the course and resources for further reading. Do not forget your Course reader in POPULI.
These are excellent books. Read one or two. Do not try to read everything for this course but keep them on your wish list to read for the rest of your life.
Mentoring and Spiritual Direction
Bakke, Jeanette A. Holy Invitations. Grand Rapids, Ml: Baker Books, 2000
Baker, Howard. Soul Keeping: Ancient Paths of Spiritual Direction. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1998
Barry, William A. Discernment in Prayer: Paying Attention to God. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Publication, 1990
Benner, David G. Sacred Companions. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002
Biehl, Bob. Mentoring: Confidence in Finding and Becoming One. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman
Publishers, 1996
Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005
Chan, Edmund. Mentoring Paradigms: Reflections on Mentoring, Leadership and Discipleship. Singapore; Covenant Evangelical Free Church, 2008
Clinton, Robert J., Clinton Richard W. The Mentor Handbook: Detailed Guidelines and Helps for Christian Mentors and Mentorees. Altadene, CA: Barnabas Publishers, 1991
Clutterbuck, David, Hussian, Zulfi (ed). Virtual Coach, Virtual Mentor. Charlotte, NC: Information Age
Publishing, 2010
_____. Everyone Needs a Mentor. NA: CIPD - Kogan Page, 2014
Demacopoulos, George E. Five Models of Spiritual Direction in the Early Church. Notre Dame, IN:
University of Notre Dame, 2007
Edwards, Tilden. Spiritual friend: Reclaiming the Gift of Spiritual Direction. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press,
1980
Dyckman, Katherine Marie, L. Patrick Carroll. Inviting the Mystic Supporting Prophet. Mahwah, NJ:
Paulist Press, 1981
Gratton, Carolyn.The Art of Spiritual Guidance: a Contemporary Approach to Growing in the Spirit. NY:
Crossroad, 1995
Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Cambridge: Cowley Pubs, 1992
Horsfall, Tony. Mentoring for Spiritual Growth. Abingdon, UK: The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008
Houston, James M. Joyful Exiles. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006
Howard, Evans B. The Brazos Introduction to Christian Spirituality. Grand Rapid: Brazos Press, 2008
Johnson, Jan.When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer. Colorado
Springs: NavPress, 1999
Jones, Alan Exploring Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1982
Jones, W. Paul. The Art of Spiritual Direction: Giving and Receiving Spiritual Guidance. Nashville, TN:
Upper Room Books, 2002
Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend: Spiritual Direction in the Modern World. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse
Publishing, 2001
Mallison, John. Mentoring: To develop Disciples Leaders. Adelaide, SA: Openbook Publishers, 1998
Nouwen, Henri. Spiritual Direction. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2006
May, Gerard G. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction. New York, NY:
HarperCollins, 1992
Phillips, Susan S. Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. New York, NY: Morehouse
Publishing, 2008
Reed, Angela H. Quest for Community: Reclaiming Spiritual Guidance for Contemporary Congregations.
New York, NY: T&T Clark International, 2011
Tan, Soo-lnn. Friends in a Broken World. Singapore: Graceworks, 2008
Wilhoit, James C., Evans B. Howard. Discovering lectio divina: Bringing Scripture into ordinary life.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012
Discernment
Mueller, Joan. Faithful Listening: Discernment in Everyday Life. Lanham, MD: Sheed & Ward, 1996.
Nouwen, Henri J.M. The Wounded Healer: In Our Own Woundedness, We Can Become a Source of Life
for Others. New York: Doubleday, 1972
Smith, Gordon T. Listening to God in Times of Choice: The Art of Discerning God's Will. Downers Grove,
IL.: InterVarsity Press, 1997.
Wink, Walter. Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination. Minneapolis
MN: Fortress Press, 1992.
Spiritual Formation
Andrews, Alan, ed. The kingdom life: A practical theology of discipleship and spiritual formation.
Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2010.
Foster, Richard J. Celebration of discipline: The path to spiritual growth. London: Hodder & Stoughton,
1989.
_____. Streams of living water: Celebrating the great traditions of Christian faith. New York: HarperCollins, 1998.
Peterson, Eugene H. The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction. Grand Rapids,
MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1989
_____. Practice resurrection: A conversation on growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: William B.
Eerdmans, 2010.
Wilhoit, James C. Spiritual formation as if the church mattered: Growing in Christ through community.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.
Willard, Dallas. The spirit of the disciplines: Understanding how God changes lives. New York:
HarperCollins, 1988.
_____. Hearing God: Developing a conversational relationship with God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 1999.
Tan, Siang-Yang. Rest: Experiencing God's Peace in a Restless World. Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Publication,
2000.
Tang, Alex. Till We Are Fully Formed: Christian Spiritual Formation Paradigms in the English-speaking
Presbyterian Churches in Malaysia. Kuang, Malaysia: Malaysia Bible Seminary, 2014
