Why a Certificate in Spiritual Direction?
In this graduate-level program, you’ll be trained to serve as a qualified spiritual director in the Christian tradition, equipped with the skills to offer a ministry of guidance and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion.
Your gifts of listening and discernment will be utilized to enable pastors and laity to become the people God created them to be.
Course Schedule
2.5-year academic program
3 7-day intensive courses during 3 consecutive summers.
2 online practicum courses
Total of 15 semester hours of academic credit.
Learn more about the schedule and course requirements.
Faculty Spotlight: Rob Peterson
Dr. Rob Peterson is the new director of the John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction. He is excited to lead the Center in training qualified spiritual directors who offer a wise and gracious presence to those seeking to know more of God.
Faculty Spotlight: Rob Peterson
Dr. Rob Peterson is the new director of the John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction. He is excited to lead the Center in training qualified spiritual directors who offer a wise and gracious presence to those seeking to know more of God.
Why North Park?
We provide affordable, flexible, graduate-level instruction and training characterized by practitioner-based experiences and reflection. The courses in this 15-credit certificate can be applied to a full master’s degree at North Park Theological Seminary.
Practical Training
Throughout the program, you will combine theory and practice by both receiving and providing spiritual direction. You’ll engage in one-one-one spiritual direction sessions, individual sessions with a supervisor, and peer supervision group sessions.
C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction
The Center is grounded in the heritage of the Evangelical Covenant Church and offers one of the leading spiritual direction certificate programs in the Evangelical tradition.
Cohort, Online, and In-Person Intensive Study
The cohort model allows you to build relationships with a small, supportive group of peers. A blend of online learning throughout the year and in-person intensive courses during the summer enables you to continue working or serving while you study. Learn more about our online, intensive, and intensive hybrid course formats.
Tuition and Financial Aid
North Park Theological Seminary is committed to making graduate ministry study affordable. We offer a variety of financial aid options to assist you, including Church Matching Grants, limited need-based grants, and payment plans. Learn more about tuition and financial aid options.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Certificate in Spiritual Direction Program should have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have experience receiving spiritual direction. Applications are due March 31st. Confirmation to reserve your place in the program is due by May 15.
Community Life
Here, you’re prepared for ministry not just in the classroom, but in community, by developing:
- Habits of study, prayer, reading, health, and fellowship alongside peers
- Fellowship through events, worship, groups, and service
- Relationships in a close-knit environment.
You might also be interested in:
Master of arts in Christian ministry