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
Praying with Teresa of Avila: Exploring The Interior Castle through Image and Metaphor
09/26/2022
Join us for a contemplative exploration of selected passages from Teresa of Avila’s spiritual and theological masterpiece, The Interior Castle. As we read, we will draw attention to foundational metaphors in Teresa’s writing and consider their significance for spiritual life today.
Exploring Wisdom’s Wonder
10/13/2022
Join Old Testament scholar, Bill Brown, for this retreat exploring the mysterious power and relevance of Wisdom’s Wonder found throughout Scripture.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction Application
11/01/2022
Apply here for acceptance to the Certificate in Spiritual Direction, a 2.5-year program designed to nurture the gifts, sensibilities, and skills of a spiritual director.
Spiritual Direction, Discerned Action, and Social Transformation
11/13/2022
This seminar explores living with questions and making faithful choices in the complexity of life. This is a residency in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction; enrollment is limited to those accepted into the program through application. Thank you for...
Seeking God: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life
01/09/2023
This four-week online retreat is for anyone seeking to cultivate a more meaningful life with God. It may also be helpful for those exploring new directions and callings. With: Carl McColman, Deedra Rich and CTS faculty.
