Spiritual Direction Certificate

The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is designed for students who are seeking training and credentialing for the ministry of spiritual direction. Students will receive a foundation in the history and theology of spiritual direction, as well as the requisite practical training to establish and implement a ministry of spiritual direction.

A Certificate in Spiritual Direction is the recognized training vehicle for spiritual directors. As there is no independent governing body for spiritual direction, directors are “certified” by the institution or organization that trains them. The Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association vets training programs and has approved Denver Seminary as a training site, which means our graduates can be listed in their directory.

Beginning in August and running through the following August, the Certificate in Spiritual Direction consists of four 5-day intensive courses on the campus of Denver Seminary. The first two courses must be taken in person, while the final two courses can be taken remotely, for those who are out-of-state. These courses are Master’s level and are taught by Denver Seminary faculty and adjunct faculty. Between each course, students engage in reading and assignments pertaining to their learnings, receive spiritual direction themselves, practice offering spiritual direction to others, and receive supervision from an experienced spiritual director.

The cost for the program is $2,800.

Students will have the additional monthly costs of receiving spiritual direction and supervision of their ministry of spiritual direction.

To apply or for more information, please email Program Coordinator, Stacey Cooper. Applicants must have personally experienced the ministry of spiritual direction and have considerable experience in their own spiritual formation informally or through a formal program, such as the Soul Care Initiative’s Praxis program.

Spiritual direction involves a relational and incarnational journey, emphasizing the importance of theology. While it is not solely theological, having a theological and biblical understanding of one’s faith is crucial. Spiritual direction does not negate the need for a biblical and theological foundation in understanding Jesus Christ.

Yes! Our graduate certificate program offers many options that can be earned together with a degree or separately. For more information about admission requirements and enrollment, contact our admissions office.

Our online certificate courses are designed for anyone looking to increase their core understanding of Scripture and theological studies. We suggest you begin with the certificate that is of most interest to you.