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Stacey Cooper
Certificate Program Coordinator and Faculty and Praxis Leadership
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Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is designed for those 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. You can view the courses this certificate requires on the certificate worksheet:
Where is the Spiritual Direction Certificate offered?
Denver campus
How many credit hours is the Spiritual Direction Certificate?
15 credit hours
How long does it take to complete this certificate?
1 year (full-time study)
More About this Certificate
The Spiritual Direction certificate invites faith leaders and laity into a year-long, integrated program to be trained to offer spiritual direction. Taught in quarterly intensives, the courses will equip students with a vetted and credentialed certificate in the ministry of spiritual direction.
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.
“The ancient Celtic Christian monastics each had a soul friend or anamchara as a companion for the journey. The Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Certificate program is a year-long journey into caring for your own soul as you seek to care for the souls of others. It’s heart, head, and soul candy for the journey of becoming more fully human.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduate Certificates at Denver Seminary
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.