ACOM / Study / Units / S9262C The Art of Discernment

S9262C The Art of Discernment

This unit aims to equip the student to implement the principles of collective spiritual discernment in a leadership situation.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 2 2025

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 2 2025 Online Facilitation 9am – 5pm
(AEST)
Monday 16 June
Monday 7 July
Monday 28 July
Dr Bruce Hulme

Unit Details

This unit aims to equip the student to implement the principles of collective spiritual discernment in a leadership situation.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate critically the link between spiritual disciplines and spiritual discernment.
  2. Assess the impact of team dynamics on collective spiritual decision-making.
  3. Articulate strategies for developing spiritual maturity in the context of leadership.
  4. Develop a system of spiritual discernment for leaders that incorporates the interplay of spiritual gifts and experience within the leadership team.
  5. Develop a system of collective spiritual discernment for implementation in a specific team leadership context.
  1. Introduction to Discernment
  2. Perceiving God’s Voice
  3. Personal Spiritual Disciplines
  4. Practices for Paying Attention
  5. Indifference
  6. Inclination
  7. Confirmation
  8. Personal Discernment
  9. Group Discernment
  10. Community Discernment
  1. Analysis (15%)
    Word Limit: 900
    Due: Week 4
  2. Essay (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 7
  3. Facilitation Assessment (15%)
    Word Limit: 900
    Due: Week 11
    OR
    Integrated Learning Portfolio (15%)
    Word Limit: 2800
    Due: Week 5 & 11
  4. Field Assignment (45%)
    Word Limit: 2700
    Due: Week 12
  • Barton, Ruth Haley. Pursuing God’s Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
  • Liebert, Elizabeth. The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making. Louisville: WJK Press, 2008.
  • Smith, Gordon T. Listening to God in Times of Choice: The Art of Discerning God’s Will. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

Student Stories

A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's online study options have allowed me to study a theological degree without having to leave my current church setting. The experience of journeying with my formation group has been a huge part of my growth this year.
Simon Cauchi – Bachelor of Theology

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

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