Spirituality Program
For 20 years the Spirituality Program at The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary has been proud to offer courses in Christian Spirituality.
We now offer two certificate programs in our Spirituality Program for clergy or laypersons who wish to deepen their life with God and learn to assist others on their faith journeys.
Certificate in Spiritual Formation
The Certificate in Spiritual Formation offers people in the pulpit, in the pew, in all denominations and stages of life, an exploration of community-grounded Christian spirituality that is rooted in scripture, theology, a history of the tradition, reading in the spiritual classics, prayer and meditation, and in skills for assisting others on a spiritual journey.
Click to learn about upcoming classes.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction, often called spiritual companioning or spiritual friendship, is an intentional relationship between a person seeking spiritual guidance and a trained individual (the spiritual director). The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a 2 1/2 year training program for those seeking to discern and develop their gifts and skills as spiritual directors.
Spiritual Director Supervisor Training
Our Spirituality Program partnered with Together in the Mystery to offer a one-year training program for spiritual director supervisors. The training program, for experienced spiritual directors who seek to serve as supervisors for practicing spiritual directors and spiritual directors in training, was completed in May of 2017.
Upcoming Spirituality Program Courses
Event Feed
The Life of Christ in Art and Poetry (online)
03/07/2022
This five-week course presents the life of Christ in poetry and art. You are invited to read and reflect on contemporary poetic and visual interpretations of Gospel passages. Imaginative and artistic reflections will be encouraged.
Creation through a New Lens
04/07/2022
Jim Dant leads this biblical study of the creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2, exploring several interpretive lenses to widen our view of these familiar stories.
Discernment in Spiritual Direction
04/24/2022
This seminar explores the art and gift of Christian Discernment in the context of individual spiritual direction. This is the third residency for the Certificate in Spiritual Direction; enrollment is limited to those accepted into the program through application. Thank you for your interest.
Be Still and Know: A Contemplative Retreat
05/02/2022
Carl McColman and Debra Weir guide this ecumenical retreat to invite stillness, rest, and prayer. The retreat is open to both men and women. No prior experience at a monastery or with contemplative prayer is necessary, simply a desire...
Prayer: Deepening your Experience with God (Online)
07/25/2022
Develop a habit of prayer to deepen your spiritual life. The course will introduce several prayer forms and invite the participants to explore each practice and reflect on the experience.
