CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION

The Certificate in Spiritual Formation is a two-year, part-time online program designed to nurture a deeper relationship with Christ and equip participants for personal and vocational growth in spiritual formation. Rooted in community and guided by experienced practitioners, the program invites participants into a journey of transformation, reflection, and faithful practice.

This program is for pastors, leaders, spiritual companions, and anyone seeking personal or vocational development in the life of the Spirit. No prior theological education or ministry experience is required—only a desire to grow in prayer, discernment, and spiritual formation.

The Certificate in Spiritual Formation aims to cultivate lives that are deeply attentive to God’s presence and responsive to the needs of others. Graduates will leave with practical skills, grounded knowledge, and a lived experience of formation that equips them to accompany others, engage faithfully in their communities, and continue growing in Christ.

For students who successfully complete the program and discern a call to further training, this certificate may transfer—with permission—into our Certificate in Spiritual Direction.

Participants in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation explore the foundations and practices of Christian spiritual life. Through study, reflection, and guided practice, learners develop:

• A foundational understanding of the process and importance of spiritual formation—both individually and corporately
• An understanding of the purpose and practice of key spiritual disciplines
• A foundational understanding of the historical role and practice of spiritual formation in the Church
• An appreciation for the importance of spiritual formation and direction within the church community
• An introduction to the practice and supervision of spiritual direction

• Cohort model, with six online courses over two years
• Fully online format, with two live class sessions per month during each semester (six classes per course)
• Formational reading and reflective assignments that invite integrated, embodied, and prayerful learning
• Monthly Soul Care Practice (optional), offering continued communal engagement and spiritual nourishment
• Individual spiritual direction sessions (approximately one per month) with one of Emmaus’ trained Spiritual Directors

Through this intentional rhythm of study, reflection, practice, and community, participants are equipped to experience transformation in their own lives while gaining practical tools to serve others in ministry, leadership, and spiritual companionship.

• Application Fee: $100 (one-time, non-refundable)
• Course Fee: $950 per course
• Individual Spiritual Direction: Additional cost, varies depending on your director

Note: Thanks to the support of the Emmaus General Fund, program fees are subsidized to make this formation accessible to all who wish to deepen their spiritual life.

• Preview Event: Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Preview Event: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
• Fall 2026 Cohort Application Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026
• Student Orientation (Fall 2026): Saturday, August 24, 2026

• Fall Semester: September—December
• Winter Semester: January—March
• Spring Semester: April—June

This course is now OPEN for registration.

Instructor: Mark Gauvreau

Season: Spring

COURSE DATE: APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2026

Explores various disciplines, means, or practices that have been employed in the Judeo-Christian tradition over the centuries for the purpose of cultivating an awareness of and responsiveness to the presence of God. The place and purpose of the disciplines within the life of the individual and community will be reviewed and assessed. Students will practice a discipline of their choice, observing and reflecting on their experience.

This course is now OPEN for registration.

Instructors: Leanne Cabral and Lorna Junker-Andersen

Season: Spring

COURSE DATE: APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2026

Introduces and begins to train candidates in the art and practice of spiritual accompaniment. Participants will learn about the persons, processes and practice of guiding fellow pilgrims deeper in faith, hope, and love in Christ. Participants will learn critical skills for the practice, through practical teaching, experiential learning, and supervision of their practice.