Contemplative Spiritual Direction

Welcome to the Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Direction (CSD) program at Columbia Theological Seminary, where we delve deep into Christian mystical tradition and contemplative spirituality, offering a transformative pilgrimage towards awakening.

Spiritual Direction, also known as spiritual guidance or holy listening, is a sacred companionship between a seeker and a trained guide, grounded in the Divine Love. This practice offers a safe, prayerful space where the seeker is invited to explore the unfolding mystery of God’s presence in their life. Through deep listening and discernment, spiritual direction nurtures awareness, fosters spiritual growth, and supports the seeker in embracing their unique path with greater clarity, freedom and grace.

Our program, guided by the cohort model, begins with immersive experiences in contemplative spiritual practices, nurturing essential qualities for spiritual directors. Throughout our program, we emphasize supervised practicum and discernment in spiritual direction, facilitating a deeper understanding of diverse contexts and self-awareness. Integrating in-person and online components, our hybrid format enables participants to complete the program within two years. At the heart of our program are core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, guiding us in creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all. 

I look at God. I look at you, and I keep looking at God. 

                                                                            -Julian of Norwich, The Path of Prayer 

Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Direction Features

• Contemplative spiritual formation as the foundation   
• A 24-month Focused Program with home-based assignments 
• A Cohort Model in a hybrid format (online and residential components)  
• Facilitated by Seasoned Practitioners
• A Supervised Practicum (One-on-One/Peer Group) facilitated by trained supervisors 
• Use of the Enneagram in Spiritual Direction for Greater Self-awareness and Spiritual Growth
  Integration of DEI assessment and reflection to foster cultural humility, equity, and inclusive spiritual direction practices.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants to the Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Direction (CSD) program are required to have completed a minimum of one year of spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director before beginning the training and must agree to continue in spiritual direction while participating in the program. 
• Written short narratives through which applicants should be able to:  

• articulate an understanding of spiritual guidance and discernment of call to the ministry of spiritual direction;  
• narrate their faith journey and current spiritual practices;  
• exhibit readiness for the program and  
• reflect on the current relationship with a faith community.  

• One letter of reference is required.  
• Computer and internet access are needed to participate in some events, use the online learning platform, and complete the online components of the coursework.  

Program Overview

Phase I

Listening Heart: Cultivating contemplative orientation and sensibilities

Spiritual Formation through Contemplative Living courses include:

• Introduction to Contemplative Spirituality ONLINE: July 
• Contemplative Living I ONLINE: September-December
• Contemplative Living II ONLINE: January-April
• Contemplative Five-day Prayer Retreat IN-PERSON: Fall or Spring

Phase II  

Awakening Heart: Fundamentals of Spiritual Direction

• Five-day residency during the fourth week of July at the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA

Phase III

The Nurturing Heart: Spiritual Direction in Contexts

• Monthly ONLINE Sessions: January-April
  Tentatively January 15/16, February 19/20, March 19/20 and April 16/17, 2027

Practicum in the Art of Spiritual Direction

The Practicum is designed to deepen competency, cultivating participants’ receptivity to the Spirit and their unique embodiment of God and enriching their understanding of the art of spiritual direction.  Seasoned leaders guide combined group and individual modules of the Practicum, facilitating the formation and learning process. Group reflection, self-assessments, and supervisor assessments will be used to monitor growth in skills as a spiritual director.

Program Fees

Phase 1, Listening Heart: Totals the program fee for Introduction to Contemplative Spirituality, Contemplative Living I, Contemplative Living II and a Contemplative retreat. Please refer to individual registrations for current cost.

Phase 2, Awakening Heart: $2250(includes the fee for practicum)

Phase 3, Nurturing Heart: $2250 (includes the fee for practicum)

The program fee covers all online modules, course materials, meals during the residency, and the practicum fee. Housing for Awakening Heart is available for an additional fee.

Please note that pricing and information is reviewed annually and subject to change between cohorts. The launch of a new cohort is contingent upon reaching a minimum number of participants. If the required registration is not met, we may need to postpone or reschedule the start date.

Program Completion and Certification

The two certificates will be awarded upon completing the three phases of the coursework, practicum, and required reading and writing assignments.

The Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Formation, with a concentration in Contemplative Living, recognizes their comprehensive training and the depth of their spiritual formation.

The Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Direction attests to the completion of this formation and training program to develop the gifts and sensibilities of spiritual directors and support their callings to this ministry.

Ready to apply? Click the Program Application button below.