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Feed your desire to deepen your relationship with God as you learn to assist others on their faith journey.
In these extraordinary times, discovering a deeper relationship with God may seem more pressing than ever before.
The Spirituality Program at the Center for Lifelong Learning offers a variety of courses and two certificate programs for clergy and laypersons in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation.
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). This is an application-based program. Spiritual Formation courses are also offered to enhance your own spiritual life and growth. You may enroll for personal enrichment or credit towards the certificate.
These paths of learning can be helpful in discovering a new approach to challenges within and around us. Here a few perspectives from previous participants on their experiences in spirituality courses and programs.
What’s been your EXPERIENCE with spirituality courses/programs at CTS?
Overall, I had a very positive experience with the course. I was impressed by how the leadership team was able to adapt–so quickly and with so little notice!–to an online, virtual format, especially when the subject matter would not seem to be one that would lend itself to this format. I thought it was very well handled, and my experience was ultimately very restful, enlightening, and energizing, even in the midst of a stressful season.
What were the most beneficial OUTCOMES for you as a participant?
[I have] a growing sense of comfort and skill as a spiritual director, an exhortation to trust myself, an invitation to embrace both complexity and playfulness, integration of body mind and spirit.
The OUTCOME I appreciated the most was to have a sense of Christian spirituality which I sensed was present in Ben Johnson and Julie Johnson. It was a fine ending to professional study which for me began in 1963.
How would you COMPARE these experiences to other continuing education conferences, programs and events you’ve attended recently (cost, location, experience, the benefit to you)?
I don’t attend continuing education stuff much. But, this has been a true gift. I have enjoyed reflecting on my journey – and the permission to be exactly where I am, wherever that is.
This program overall has been the most beneficial continuing ed program that I have engaged in. I have grown tremendously through this time and made lifelong friends.
If you’re considering Christian Spirituality courses/programs for your continued education, visit our current offerings (online options available too) here.