Duration: 2 years (6 semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer x2)

Format: Hybrid (Online and Seated Intensives)

Total Courses: 9 (including supervised practicum)

Credit Hours: 18-27 (depending on design)

Cohort-Based: Yes

Final Year: Supervised Practicum and Integration

 

Year 1: Foundations of Spiritual Direction

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Fall Semester

 

1. Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Direction

   • Theological foundations: Trinitarian life, Imago Dei, sanctification

   • Historical overview of direction: Desert Fathers, monasticism, Reformation, modern practice

   • Contemplative listening and discernment

   • Weekly online content + one seated weekend intensive

2. The History of Christian Spirituality

   • Key figures: Augustine, Teresa of Avila, Ignatius, Wesley, etc.

   • Movements: Mysticism, Pietism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostalism

   • Reflection papers and timeline project

   • Online with synchronous discussion groups

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Spring Semester

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1. Theology of the Soul: Biblical and Systematic Perspectives

   • Human personhood in Scripture

   • Pneumatology and spiritual development

   • Vocation, identity, suffering, and transformation

   • Hybrid format with spiritual autobiography assignment

2. Spiritual Disciplines for Personal and Ministerial Formation

   • Prayer, silence, lectio Divina, fasting, examen, Sabbath

   • Developing a Rule of Life

   • Group spiritual practice labs

   • Seated retreat component (2 days)

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Summer Semester

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1. Psychology and Spirituality

   • Basic psychological frameworks relevant to direction

   • Boundaries, trauma awareness, listening skills

   • Integration of emotional and spiritual health

   • Case studies, interviews, online format

 

Year 2: Practice and Supervision

 

Fall Semester

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1. Models and Methods of Spiritual Direction

   • Classical and contemporary models

   • One-on-one vs. group direction

   • The art of asking questions and evoking spiritual awareness

   • Peer practice in online forums + in-person lab

2. Ethics, Boundaries, and Spiritual Abuse Prevention

   • Confidentiality, referral, dual relationships

   • Power dynamics and trust-building

   • Red flags and healing approaches

   • Includes role-plays and discussion of real-life cases

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Spring Semester

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1. Supervised Practicum in Spiritual Direction I

   • Begin meeting with 2-3 directees under supervision

   • Monthly supervision (group or individual)

   • Journals, verbatims, reflection papers

   • Bi-weekly cohort group (Zoom or in person)

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Summer Semester

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1. Supervised Practicum in Spiritual Direction II + Capstone Integration

   • Continued direction sessions

   • Final theological reflection paper

   • Rule of Life revision

   • Capstone presentation and personal vocation statement

 

Additional Elements

 

• Retreats: Two required in-person retreats (start of Year 1 and end of Year 2)

• Reading List: Evagrius Ponticus, Teresa of Avila, Henri Nouwen, Eugene Peterson, David Benner, Ruth Haley Barton, James Houston, etc.

• Certification: Certificate of Completion + eligibility for spiritual direction networks (if applicable)

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Course Descriptions

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Year 1: Foundations of Spiritual Direction​

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1. Introduction to Spiritual Formation and Direction

This course introduces the theology and practice of Christian spiritual formation and the role of spiritual direction within it. Students explore the nature of the spiritual journey, the ministry of holy listening, and the work of the Holy Spirit in shaping the soul. Emphasis is placed on the relational, contemplative posture of the spiritual director and the development of attentive listening skills. 

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2. The History of Christian Spirituality

Students engage with major movements, figures, and themes in the history of Christian spirituality from the early church to the present. Attention is given to the theological and cultural contexts that shaped the spirituality of key historical figures such as Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Ignatius of Loyola, John Wesley, and others. The course invites students to reflect on how historical insights inform present-day spiritual direction.

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3. Theology of the Soul: Biblical and Systematic Perspectives

This course explores theological anthropology and pneumatology as foundational to spiritual direction. Students examine the biblical and doctrinal understanding of the soul, sanctification, identity, vocation, suffering, and the work of the Holy Spirit in spiritual transformation. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theology with the lived experience of God in the human soul.

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4. Spiritual Disciplines for Personal and Ministerial Formation

This experiential course invites students into the rhythms of spiritual practices that have shaped Christian lives across centuries. Practices include silence, solitude, Scripture meditation, examen, fasting, Sabbath, and rule of life development. Students develop their own Rule of Life and engage in group practice experiences. A seated retreat provides deeper immersion and reflection.

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5. Psychology and Spirituality

This course introduces basic psychological principles relevant to the practice of spiritual direction. Topics include emotional maturity, trauma awareness, boundaries, spiritual bypassing, and the intersection of mental and spiritual health. Students learn to recognize signs for referral and understand the spiritual implications of psychological realities. Lectures are integrated with case studies and guided reflection.

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Year 2: Practice and Supervision

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6. Models and Methods of Spiritual Direction

Students examine various models of spiritual direction, including Ignatian, contemplative-evocative, charismatic, narrative, and group direction. The course develops core practices of discernment, evocative questioning, and attunement to the Holy Spirit. Practice labs with feedback and theological reflection support growth in vocational identity as a director.

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7. Ethics, Boundaries, and Spiritual Abuse Prevention

This course explores the ethical and spiritual integrity of the spiritual director. It covers topics such as confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, dual relationships, power dynamics, and the prevention of spiritual abuse. Students are equipped to recognize unhealthy spiritual dynamics and to cultivate safe, healing environments for spiritual growth.

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8. Supervised Practicum in Spiritual Direction I

Students begin offering spiritual direction to 2–3 directees under faculty supervision. Regular verbatims, journaling, and supervision sessions provide feedback and spiritual guidance. Students reflect on their own formation as they grow in humility, discernment, and effectiveness in the sacred ministry of direction.

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9. Supervised Practicum in Spiritual Direction II + Capstone Integration

In this final course, students continue their practicum with directees and meet regularly for supervision. The capstone includes a theological reflection paper, a revised Rule of Life, and a presentation on their spiritual direction journey. This course is designed to integrate the entire certificate experience and to affirm each student’s vocational calling as a spiritual director.