Certificate in Spiritual Direction

Our primary motive for becoming a spiritual companion should be the love of others and desire to help them grow into the full measure of holiness and wholeness that is their eternal destiny. David G. Benner, Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship

The Certificate in Spiritual Direction program is designed for individuals who discern a call to the ministry of Spiritual Direction.

Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four one-week long residencies on campus, online components, individual reading and reflection, and a supervised practicum in the art of spiritual direction. Organized on the cohort model, the certificate is intended to be completed in two and a half years.

Admission Requirements and Application Information

Applicants to the CSD program should have completed a minimum of one year receiving spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director and agree to continue spiritual direction during CSD studies.  Completion of the Certificate in Spiritual Formation or equivalent preparation preferred.

We invite and encourage those who are interested in the program to get to know us by attending a course in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation program.  

Computer and internet access are needed to use the seminary’s online learning platform and complete the distance components of the coursework.

 Applications for the 2018 Cohort are now accepted through May 15, 2018.

• Applications submitted prior to November 30th will be reviewed in January, 2018 for early acceptance.
• Those submitted by May 15th will be notified in June.
• The online course site for the first residency will open mid-July.

Course of Study

Each class includes pre-course preparation and post-attendance submission of written reflections. Classes include plenary sessions, supervised practice of spiritual direction, worship and time for study and reflection.

2018-2020 Cohort  

Spiritual Direction in Context
October, 2018
Leader: Jane Vennard/Leadership Team

Incarnation:Theology, Tradition, and Practice of Spiritual Direction
Spring, 2019
Leader: Jim Dant/Leadership Team

Discernment in Spiritual Direction
Fall, 2019
Leader: Julie Johnson/Leadership Team

Spiritual Direction, Discerned Action and Social Transformation
Spring, 2020
Leader: Jim Dant/Leadership Team

Supervised Practice in the Art of Spiritual Direction

Supervision is a spiritual practice as well as an ethical commitment on the part of all spiritual directors. We offer a well-developed supervision process to facilitate the learning process.

While on campus during each residency, students will receive practical training in the art of spiritual direction through supervised practice in facilitated small groups.

Back home, students are required to meet monthly for at least one hour with a supervisor.  The cost of supervision will be the responsibility of the student. Fees generally range from $50-100 per hour-long session.

Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of the requirements of this program a certificate of completion will be awarded.

The certificate will attest to completion of this formation and training program to develop the gifts and sensibilities of spiritual directors and support their callings to this ministry.

Program Fees

The cost of each residency is $1400, which includes several meals and residency-related course components. Housing is available for an additional fee. Fees may be adjusted on an annual basis.

For more information, please email Debra Weir, Associate Director, Spirituality and Lifelong Learning, or call her at 404-687-4557.