Christian Spiritual Formation

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?”(Psalm 42:2) So wrote the psalmist long ago, but the words are easily our own. We too thirst for God, and we long to see God's face in our homes and workplaces, and in our churches.

To respond to this deep longing, Columbia Theological Seminary's Center for Lifelong Learning offers courses and events that explore Christian spirituality and provide guidance into the discipline of prayer and academic study.

Our approach is unique, for while we offer opportunities for individual spiritual growth and renewal, we provide these experiences within the context of Christian community. We believe in personal relationships with God that are affirmed and nurtured within the Body of Christ.

Certificate in Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Retreats
The Labyrinth
Spiritual Direction for Students

Note: Columbia also offers a Doctor of Ministry with an emphasis in Christian Spirituality. The program is open to pastors of any denomination who have completed the M.Div. degree or its equivalent and who meet other requirements of admission.

Certificate in Christian Spiritual Formation
For more than a decade, Columbia has offered courses leading to the Certificate in Christian Spiritual Formation, a journey through which modern-day, world-weary pilgrims may quench their spiritual thirst. The structured program of studies is designed for both laypersons and ministers, and coursework can be completed in three to five years. Courses are offered in one-week or weekend segments throughout the year. There are no academic prerequisites for admission to the certification program, and a limited number of scholarships are available. Enrollment in most courses is open to participants who do not wish to complete the certification program.
Details, fees, registration, and current courses

Spiritual Retreats
Each spring, Columbia offers two contemplative retreats —one for women and one for men . Both are held at retreat centers, in the Southeast, that are operated as ministries of the Roman Catholic church.

Labyrinth
Columbia 's labyrinth, a path of prayer for walking meditation is a hand-painted canvas floorcloth which is installed at various times during the year in Harrington Center Chapel. Our labyrinth is based on the design of one laid in floor tiles of the cathedral in Chartres, France. Church groups and other organizations may reserve the labyrinth for a guided walk during times that the labyrinth is not in use by the seminary community. For information, call 404-687-4592, or e-mail Tom Lewis.

Spiritual Direction for Students
Spiritual directors in several locations are available to offer guidance to seminarians and their spouses. The cost is $15 per session. For more information, please call the Spirituality Office at extension 557 or e-mail Tom Lewis.