Scripture and Leadership Training (SALT)
Scripture and Leadership Training (SALT) provides a holistic approach to studying both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. It integrates scripture, spirituality and leadership training into one effective program.
The program offers participants communities the opportunity to connect Scripture to their life through reflection and prayer in the context of an adult learning community. The program provides regular opportunity to develop the interactive skills which enable effective group leadership. Each SALT study integrates Scripture study with spirituality and leadership. It is this integration that makes SALT the unique program it is. Every session includes questions designed to assist participants in developing a spirituality of reflection and action. In addition, each session offers participants the opportunity to explore new leadership skills and qualities that are linked to the scriptures under consideration.
The program is being sold from Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry. It has been translated into multiple languages (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese). Once purchased you will receive the instructor workbook that includes:
- Lesson plans
- Student worksheets
- PowerPoint Presentations with instructions
- Participant Workbooks
- Leadership Resources
- Prayer forms
Product Information
SALT can be purchased in the languages of English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
SALT invites participants to explore major Biblical texts and themes through six seasons. Each season consists of nine sessions which thoroughly grounds participants in major Scripture texts. These seasons can be arranged in multiple ways. The original writing and teaching focused on connecting the Hebrew Scriptures through three seasons, and the Christian Scriptures through three seasons. Since SALT relies on literary critical method (as well as historical critical and others), others have adapted SALT so that Narrative texts (Exodus and Mark) are explored first followed by Prophetic texts (Isaiah and Paul), and Wisdom texts (Psalms, and John). Each season can stand on its own, but the total package of eight seasons thoroughly prepares people to lead Scripture studies, teach and catechize others, or ground their lives in a biblical spirituality.
SALT prepares participants to deepen their ability to serve as resources for the wider Church community. A carefully integrated curriculum assists participants in connecting their scripture understanding with their spirituality and their own leadership development. In both Exodus and Mark participants consider the theories of group development, methods of facilitating groups, and their impact on communities of faith. The Israelites and the disciples offer case studies in these processes. During both Isaiah and Paul (prophetic texts), participants discover how to give and receive back and how to address conflict in communities of faith. The Wisdom literature (Psalms and John) offer participants the opportunity to reflect on and develop prayer ways, processes of attending and responding to God both individually and communally, and reflection on adult styles of learning and responding to the call of discipleship. Ultimately, the entire process encourages participants to accept their full baptismal call as priest, prophet, and king.
Spirituality
Since there are many paths to the Holy, the SALT curriculum explores various paths described within the Judeo-Christian biblical tradition. To develop a “biblical spirituality” is to allow the Word to both inform us about the nature of the Divine and to transform us ever more deeply into the People of God. We pursue this study of God’s Word with a realistic awareness of the historical and cultural limitations of the biblical perspectives as well as our own. We believe that in the midst of these limitations, the Bible contains deep truths that continue to inspire, challenge and guide the pilgrim Church on its journey to God. At each session, we bring these truths to prayer and invite them to become a part of who we are as God’s people.
Success Stories
Currently used by the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska, and the Pastoral Center in the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. The SALT program has been offered in the Seattle, Yakima and Spokane dioceses as well.
Contact Information
Simone Winston
simone@seattleu.edu
206-296-5313