pt700
Spiritual Formation: Catechesis & Discipleship
An overview of catechesis through the lenses of practical theology and spiritual formation, uniting sound doctrine with lived devotion. You will study theological and pedagogical principles for forming disciples, engage classic Anglican practices that shape heart and habit, and connect teaching to daily life through guided rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and service. The course frames faith development as growth into Christ’s likeness for the sake of others, equipping you to cultivate a parish culture where belief, worship, and love mature together.
Dr. Leslie F. Thyberg brings over forty years of teaching experience to Trinity. Having served as chair of the board of examining chaplains for the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, she came to know and admire Trinity's community. As Learning Skills Coordinator, she assists students with writing, study, and reading skills, applying her training in psycholinguistics. She also works with DMin students and serves on the ACNA Catechesis Task Force, co-chairing the subcommittee producing a children's catechism.
Dr. Thyberg's spiritual formation courses begin with the question: "Are you a tourist or a pilgrim?" She sees her role as dispelling false narratives—there are no "slow readers," only careful ones. Good writing is as much about pastoral care as grammar. Her office is known as the "cave of wonders" for its toys, puzzles, and catechetical materials.
What Dr. Thyberg treasures most is Thursday lunch when students' families attend. Her hope stems from knowing J.I. Packer, whose commitment to catechesis Trinity carries forward. She and her husband have lived in intentional Christian community for over three decades, raising backyard chickens with whimsical names like Flannery O'Clucker. Fun fact: at nineteen, a Bedouin offered her professor fifty camels as a bride price at Mt. Sinai.
Trinity is to be an evangelical seminary in the Anglican tradition. To this end we develop Christian leaders who can plant, renew, and grow churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.
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