The Certificate in Spiritual Direction Launches First Cohort!

The Institute for Ministerial Wholeness joyfully launched its inaugural Certificate in Spiritual Direction in partnership with Assemblies of God Theological Seminary this fall (October 23-25). The first cohort gathered with anticipation and a deep hunger to learn how to discern and accompany others in the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit. Our opening intensive was filled with prayer, conversation, and sacred listening as students began to experience what it means to become “holy listeners” in a noisy world.

The teaching sessions, contemplative practices, and shared reflections created a rhythm of learning that touched the mind, spirit, and heart. Participants expressed how the integration of Scripture, spiritual tradition, and community formation offered a deeply transformative beginning. Many described sensing God’s nearness and an awakening to new ways of prayerful awareness and care for others.

We praise God for the excellence and depth of this first class—the fruit of many months of prayer, preparation, and partnership between IMW and AGTS. The cohort left renewed, encouraged, and eager for what lies ahead in the journey toward becoming Christ-centered spiritual directors.

Below are reflections from several students in the inaugural class:

• "The class content was engaging and touched on the different aspects of SD and spiritual formation. The cohort classmates made for instant comrades who I’m looking forward to learning alongside on this journey." – Angela

• "I didn't really know what to expect from our first class but it far exceeded what I thought it might be . The time together was rich and life giving....The class was Holy Spirit led, with practical application and informational. Spending time with the others in the cohort was also very rich to see how God is moving in and through others in various ministries." – DeShae

• "I was thrilled with the recent class experience. The content was excellent, and I loved the opportunity to get to know the others in our cohort. I thought the balance of content to participation was good, and kept my interest. I also appreciated the opportunity to practice spiritual direction with each other in our groups." – Kathryn

Truly, the Spirit is moving.