Training

A Certificate of Spiritual Formation is awarded after successful completion of the 6 courses of the first two years. A Certificate of Spiritual Direction is awarded after successful completion of the four spiritual-direction specific courses (Introduction to Spiritual Direction and the 3 courses of the third year). Normally, students must complete the first two years before applying to enter the third year which includes supervised spiritual direction of others.

Courses are offered online with work throughout the semester being done individually (such as reading and spiritual direction) and online (including forums and video classes). The Fall semester goes from September to November, the Winter semester from January to March, and the Spring session from April to June. Courses are sequential, allowing for the development of cohort relationships as part of the formational process.

Emmaus Certificate Program follows the guidelines for training program of Spiritual Directors International. It is not a degree-granting institution. Instructors have graduate level theological education, are trained spiritual directors, and have extensive ministry experience.

Requirements

• Successful application submission
• Students are expected to be in spiritual direction, for the duration of the program

Learned Outcomes include

• A foundational understanding of the process and importance of spiritual formation—individually and corporately
• An understanding and purpose of the practice of key spiritual disciplines
• A foundational understanding of the historical place and practice of spiritual direction in the Christian church
• An understanding of the purpose and practice of spiritual direction and group spiritual direction
• An understanding of the importance of spiritual direction in the church community
• An introduction the practice and supervision of spiritual direction

Purpose

Persons who have completed the Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate or its equivalent may apply to take an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction. The purpose of this program is to provide and encourage continuing education for spiritual directors. The certificate is an evidence that this has been undertaken at a substantial level.

Training Qualifications

Graduation from a spiritual directing training program that is equivalent to 2-years part-time including courses (200-240 on-task hours total), personal spiritual direction (at least 24 hours) and supervised spiritual directing (at least 24 hours). (See requirements below)

Requirements

• Participate fully in 40 hours of Emmaus Continuing Education sessions. Keep an official receipt of your registration of all qualifying events; Emmaus Formation Centre will keep a record of those in attendance. Up to 5 hours may be taken at non-Emmaus professional/ministerial continuing education events directly related to spiritual direction. (Report with description due on completion of such events to Emmaus administrator.)
• Offer ongoing spiritual direction to at least 3 people. (Report due June 30 yearly to Emmaus administrator.)
• Participate in regular supervision (individual or peer group) during enrollment in the Advanced Certificate program. (Yearly report to Emmaus administrator). (Letter of confirmation by the supervisor and/or member of the peer supervision group. Due: 1 month before graduation to Emmaus administrator.)
• Hold membership in the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors during enrollment in the Advanced Certificate program including observing the ESSD Ethical Standards for Spiritual Directors (note where and why certain standards may not be completely met). (Report due June 30 yearly to Emmaus administrator.)
• 5. Write a 15-page (3500-4000 word) report and reflection on what has been learned through the continuation education. Due: 1 month before graduation to Director of education.)

Continuing Education Sessions

Education sessions are offered on an occasional basis, but Emmaus will offer at least 8 hours of continuing education per year, usually in the fall and winter or spring. Sessions may be workshops, seminars, lectures or other educational events. Members of the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors receive a discount on Emmaus Continuing Education Events.

Registration

You are encouraged to register for the Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate as soon as you start to accumulate hours; you must register before completing more than 10 hours of related continuing education. See website for application and completion fees.

Administration Fee

Upon completion, you will need to submit a $500 fee towards administrative expenses.

Graduation

Certificates will be given at the Emmaus Graduation Ceremony. Students who qualify for graduation may represent themselves as having completed the certificate.

Most ethical guidelines for spiritual directors include the expectation that practicing directors commit to continuing education in fields and topics relevant to their practice. Emmaus Formation Centre provides 2-4 workshops, seminars, or lectures per year that will be relevant, timely, and practical. Most continuing education sessions will be stand alone, 3-5 hour, one-day events, though in some cases the sessions may be part of a series. Registration for these sessions are generally open and may be of interest to people in related ministries such as pastoral care, small group ministry, counselling, campus ministries, etc. Graduates of Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate program or those with equivalent training may apply these courses towards completion of an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction