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Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation

An in-depth, intensive program of study to enhance one’s ability to mentor
the spiritual lives of individuals and Christian faith communities.

Featuring:

• An introduction to the fundamentals of spiritual direction practice
• An opportunity to fine-tune retreat skills
• Convenient summer study – two weeks for three consecutive summers
• Opportunity to participate in vibrant daily liturgy
• Economical on-campus housing

Eligibility:  Lay and ordained persons experienced in ministry with a master’s degree in a theological discipline are invited to apply.  This program cultivates skills that are helpful for a wide range of ministerial positions, and can be applied in a variety of settings.

Schedule and Content:
This three-year program takes place in early July during Session II of the School of Theology and Ministry’s Summer Institute.  Each summer the program meets for two weeks, Monday through Friday, with morning faculty presentations and discussion based on assigned readings and an afternoon practicum in spiritual guidance/spiritual direction.  At the end of years one and two, assignments are given to be completed in preparation for the next year’s session (i.e. reading, verbatim, homily, or retreat talk). 

*Unit A: Ways of Prayer and Discernment
Morning Session Themes:
Historical developments in prayer, teaching forms of Christian prayer, comparative approaches to prayer, the significance of place and body in prayer, the art of discernment, and tools and resources in discernment.
Afternoon Session:  Interactive exercises and case studies.

*Unit B: Fostering Creativity and More Inclusive Communities
Morning Session Themes:
Creative approaches to ritual, creative approaches to dreams in spirituality work, creative writing as a spiritual resource, multiple intelligences and diverse ways of knowing in spiritual formation work, extended senses of community, spirituality and one’s work community, group discernment, group spiritual direction, and spiritual issues arising in community.
Afternoon Session:  Interactive exercises, case studies, verbatim, and crafting and presentation of retreat talks.

*Unit C: The Art of Spiritual Direction
Morning Session Themes:
Historical roots of spiritual guidance, contemporary understandings of spiritual guidance, developmental considerations for spiritual guides, ethical considerations in spiritual direction work, contemplative listening, and particular issues in spiritual direction.
Afternoon Session:  Interactive exercises, case studies, verbatim, and crafting and presentation of homilies.

*Please Note:  The order in which Units A, B, and C are offered will not necessarily coincide with year I, II, and III of participation in the program.  Students will begin with the unit being offered that year (Unit C for 2012).  Completion of all three units is required to earn the Certificate.

 

Pastoral Ministry Certificate

This certificate program is designed for those who wish to study pastoral ministry but who do not desire a full degree.  It is also designed to serve those who have completed a graduate theology or ministry degree, but who wish to concentrate further in a particular area of pastoral ministry.  In addition to ongoing professional development, the Pastoral Ministry Certificate program provides a welcome venue for spiritual enrichment and renewal. Applicants must demonstrate a current commitment to ministry as a requirement of admission.

In addition to 18 hours of academic courses taken for credit, certificate students complete a ten-page integrative project at the end of their study.  Both coursework and integrative project are chosen in consultation with their academic advisor.

Hispanic Ministry Certificate

This certificate is a program designed to prepare those who are already working or are interested in doing so in the context of Hispanic communities anywhere in the United State.  The certificate is for those who do not desire a full degree or for those who have completed a graduate theology or ministry degree, but who wish to concentrate further in Hispanic ministry.  In addition to ongoing professional development, the Hispanic Ministry Certificate program provides a welcome venue for spiritual enrichment and renewal.   Applicants must demonstrate a current commitment to ministry as a requirement of admission.

Hispanic Ministry Certificate students must meet the following requirements:  18 hours of academic courses taken for credit including the Hispanic Ministry Seminar (six credits); sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language; supervised field placement; and a ten-page Integrative Project at the end of studies.  The field placement will consist of 5 hours for 13 weeks; through the process the student will be in regular conversation with the Faculty Director for Hispanic Ministry Programs.  All coursework, field placement, and the integrative project are chosen in consultation with the Faculty Director for Hispanic Ministry Programs.

Additional Information for Hispanic Ministry Certificate

A limited number of applicants who do not have an earned bachelor’s degree may apply for this certificate program and be admitted under the following stringent conditions:

1. Commensurate life experience in ministry
2. Fluency in English
3. A writing sample that demonstrates capability for graduate level work (English or Spanish); all courses are in English 
4. Strong letters of recommendation regarding character, commitment to the Church, and capacity for graduate level studies
5. Significant leadership potential to warrant merit-based fellowships.

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Admissions Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Current commitment to ministry.
• English proficiency. TOEFL exam results with a minimum of 550 on paper based; 213 on the PC based or 79 on Internet Based Test if you are an international applicant from a non-English speaking country.