Spiritual Direction

The Certificate in Spiritual Direction includes three summer intensive courses, (July 19-25 for years I and III, and July 26-August 1 for year II) and during the intervening two years, practicum courses, for a total of 15 semester hours of academic credit. The yearly application deadline is April 15.

• Download the application for admission for the Center for Spiritual Direction 
• Download the two personal reference forms 
• Download the Spiritual Direction brochure

Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Through this ministry one finds a spiritual companion who can listen to the stories of one's life and help discern the presence and work of God's Spirit.

Year One: "Spiritual Direction: Listening to the Movement of God"

The curriculum for the first year is designed to guide participants through a process of discernment. Those whose calling to the ministry of spiritual direction is confirmed will continue through the remainder of the program. Others, for whom the ministry of spiritual direction is not confirmed, will complete their studies with year one, designed as both a foundation and a stand-alone year. 

Summer Intensive 1

At North Park - one full week, including one weekend (3 semester hours)
This course will center on development of the capacity to listen. Foci will include listening to God, the other, the self, the Word, and the world. Beginning with an all-day retreat, the course will include personal spiritual direction, contemplative listening groups, and self-assessment practices for development of discernment.

Practicum 1

Work will be done in the students' home locations (3 semester hours) Program participants are required to choose a spiritual director and complete 10 one hour sessions of direction prior to Summer Intensive II. The cost of spiritual direction is the responsibility of the student. Participants will continue personal discernment to confirm the gift of direction in their lives. There will be reading assignments, reflection papers and/or journaling requirements throughout the year. Preparation and readings for Summer Intensive 2 will be required of those continuing in the program. Some work will be facilitated by online resources.

Year Two: "Spiritual Directing: Listening to the Movement of God with Another" 

Summer Intensive 2

At North Park - one full week, including one weekend (3 semester hours) The middle year will focus on skill development as a spiritual director. In the classroom program participants will give and receive direction from each other, developing skills through practice and evaluation. Participants will be introduced to the practice of the Verbatim, which will be a requirement during Practicum II. Themes from Year One will be further developed, and there will be presentations on addictions and 12 step programs, anger, grief, physical and psychological health, and Biblical models of spiritual direction.

Practicum 2

Work will be done in the program participants' home locations (3 semester hours) During this year, program participants will continue monthly meetings with a spiritual director at the student's expense. They will also give direction to one or two persons and participate in regular sessions with a supervisor. An online series of sessions on dreamwork or other arenas for listening and discernment will be part of this year as will preparation for Summer Intensive 3.

Year Three: "The Ministry of Spiritual Direction: Listening to the Movement of God in Church and Community."

Summer Intensive 3

At North Park - one full week, including one weekend (3 semester hours) The final course will look at the broader scope of spiritual direction as a ministry. Foundational issues for the tradition will be further developed, including the history and theology of Christian spiritual direction. Psycho-spiritual models for understanding the dynamics of spiritual direction and growth and the varieties of spiritual experiences, and issues in the adoption and development of this ministry in church and society will be covered.

Related aspects of ministry will be addressed and practiced including sensitivities and competencies for facilitating group direction, leading contemplative retreats, cross-cultural directing, healing prayer, preaching/teaching/managing in a spiritual direction modality, peer supervising, managing a ministry, continuing education, and professional associations. Course participants will serve as spiritual directors for the incoming first year class.