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    • A Biblical Observation
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  • Spiritual Direction
    • The Potter & the Clay
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    • School of Formation
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Training

    Home Training

    Emmaus School of Spiritual Formation has been developed for those seeking
    a deeper and broader understanding and experience of Jesus Christ, with
    an opportunity for training in spiritual direction.

    EMMAUS SCHOOL OF FORMATION

    AND

    SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

    Each course has, at its core, an understanding that God is active in the lives of each student and Emmaus has the opportunity to be a part of that formation.

    All courses will be offered ONLINE.

    Applications are now being accepted for the Emmaus School of Spiritual Formation (SSF) and School of Spiritual Direction (SSD).

    All courses will be offered ONLINE.

    Apply now to become a student at Emmaus Formation Centre.

    First Course: Soul-Shaping Experiences: Foundations of Spiritual Formation SF001

    DOWNLOAD COURSE SCHEDULE

    CERTIFICATES WE OFFER

    Certificate in Spiritual Formation

    2-YEAR PROGRAM

    The Emmaus Spiritual Formation Certificate is a 2-year, 6-course part-time educational program designed to provide opportunities for personal spiritual growth, a foundational understanding of Christian spiritual formation and an introduction to the ministry of spiritual direction. This program or its equivalent are prerequisites for the one-year spiritual direction certificate. Courses are fully online.

    Certificate Description

    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
    Course Breakdown
    • Soul-Shaping Experiences: FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL FORMATION

      Instructor: Jim Horsthuis
      Season: Fall
      Course: September 1 – November 30, 2022
      Course offered fully ONLINE

      Introduces definitions, motifs, frameworks, means, and issues in Christian spiritual formation, including an introduction to spiritual direction. The topic and format creates opportunities for deepening and expanding your understanding and experience of personal spiritual formation and facilitating the spiritual growth of others. Learning activities include selected readings, online discussions, short writing assignments, individual spiritual direction, and classes, and group direction.

      Sequence: 1st Year | Course code: SF001

      Fee: $715 earlybird, payable August 1, 2022

      NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • SOUL-SHAPING WORDS: THE ROLE OF SCRIPTURE IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION

      Instructor: Freda Ng
      Season: Winter
      Course: January 1 – March 30, 2023
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      Reviews the theology of the role of Scripture in the Christian spiritual formation as well as leads the participants to understand and practice varied ways of engaging Scripture for transformation. Topics include academic versus devotional approaches to Scripture, meditation on scripture, the practice of Lectio Divina, gospel imagination, the use of Psalms in formation, inductive Bible study. The topics and exercises are designed to create opportunities for the participants to expand their relationship with Scripture and to gain skills to facilitate formational interaction with scripture. This course utilizes selected readings, lecture, class discussion, guided experience, sharing, prayer and spiritual direction.

      Sequence: 1st Year | Course code: SF002.

      Fee: $715 early-bird payable by December 1, 2022

      NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • Soul-Shaping Traditions: PRAYER AND FORMATION THROUGHOUT CHURCH HISTORY

      Instructor: Jim Horsthuis
      Season: Winter
      Course: January 1 – March 30, 2023
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      Spiritual formation, practices and direction take place within certain religious contexts and spiritual traditions. There are a number of different traditions in the Christian faith each with their own historical development and distinct understanding of spiritual growth, prayer, and spiritual direction. This course surveys a number of historical and contemporary expressions of Christian faith including why they developed, how they vary in their understanding of the initiation, goal, and process of spiritual growth. We will consider how we engage in formation and direction of self, others, and our community in light of these various models. The course will have a special emphasis on prayer and the contemplative tradition. Course Sequence: 2nd Year | Course Code: SF003

      Fee: $715 earlybird, payable by December 1, 2022

      NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • Soul-Shaping Discernment: DISCERNMENT IN DIRECTION AND AS A WAY OF LIFE

      Instructor: Rev. Ouida Pihulyk, DMin.
      Season: Fall
      Course: September 1 – November 30, 2022
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      Introduces discernment from the context of relationality, exploring our relationship with God as the very place where true discernment unfolds and where all decisions are a natural outflow. The practice of discernment will be grounded in theology, understood within different traditions (e.g., Ignatian), applied to spiritual direction, and practiced by making space for the formation of our hearts through prayer, reflection and conversations.
      Sequence: 2nd Year; Course code: SF004

      Fee: $715 earlybird, payable by August 1, 2022

      *NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • Soul-Shaping Practices: LIVING THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

      Instructor: Mark Gauvreau
      Season: Spring
      This course is now open for registration.
      Course Date: April 1 – June 30, 2023
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      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.

      Sequence: 1st Year | Course code: SF005

      Fee: $715 earlybird, payable by March 1, 2023

      *NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • Soul-Shaping Direction: INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL DIRECTION 1

      Instructor: Sandra Broadus
      Season: Spring
      This course is now open for registration.
      Course: April 1 – June 30, 2023
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      Introduces and begins to train candidates in the art and practice of spiritual accompaniment. Participants will learn about the persons, process and practice of guiding fellow pilgrims deeper in faith, hope, and love in Christ. The content and format provide an opportunity for an expanded knowledge and experience of the ministry through in-class practice of supervised spiritual direction, online and residential classes, forum discussions, group spiritual exercises, and the supervised practice of spiritual direction. Participants will learn critical skills for the practice, through practical teaching, experiential learning, and supervision of their practice.

      Course Sequence: 2nd Year | Course Code: SF006

      Fee: $715 earlybird payable by March 1, 2023

      *NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:   Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course

    Certificate in Spiritual Direction

    1-YEAR PROGRAM

    The Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate is 4-course, 1½ year part-time educational program designed to provide opportunity to develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge for a ministry of spiritual direction. Emmaus’ Certificate in Spiritual Formation or its equivalent are prerequisites for the one-year spiritual direction certificate. Courses are fully online. The first course of the sequence is also part of the Certificate in Spiritual Formation.

    Course Breakdown
    • Spiritual Direction 2: MODELS AND PRACTICE

      Instructor: Sandra Broadus
      Season: Fall
      Course Date: September 1 – November 30, 2022
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      Introduces participants to various approaches to spiritual direction including the Evangelical and Ignatian traditions. The course includes a practicum which involves training, offering direction to others, peer supervision, and individual supervision. A separate application and admission are required to take the third year.
      Course Sequence: 3rd Year | Course Code: SF007.

      Fee: $805 early bird, payable by August 1, 2022

      NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • Sale!

      Spiritual Direction 3: PSYCHO-SPIRITUALITY AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

      Instructor: Multiple
      Season: Winter
      Course: January 1 – March 30, 2023
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      Addresses an approach to understanding the human soul, integrating psychological and spiritual insights. Various topics will be covered and may include aspects of the psyche, emotional issues, dreamwork, personality, the Enneagram and working with those who are different from us culturally and in other ways. The course includes a continuation of the spiritual direction practicum which involves offering direction to others, peer supervision, and individual supervision.
      Course Sequence: 3rd Year | Course Code: SF008

      Fee: $805 earlybird, payable by December 1, 2022

      NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:  Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    • Spiritual Direction 4: The Ministry of Spiritual Direction

      Instructor: Jim Horsthuis
      Season: Spring
      This course is now open for registration.
      Course: April 1 – June 30, 2023
      Course Offered fully ONLINE

      In this course we will consider the ministry, mystery, and mission of spiritual direction. Students will engage with key dimensions of spiritual direction including: prayer, self-care, complex direction relationships, mission, supervision, management, and professional ethics. Exploring these aspects of spiritual direction will equip students to become spiritual directors with the wisdom, poise, and confidence required to serve others in this vital ministry. The course includes a practicum which involves training, offering direction to others, peer supervision, and individual supervision. As we practice, reflect on, and develop in the ministry of spiritual direction, students will be affirmed and inspired to embrace their vocation as spiritual directors. Course Sequence: 3rd Year| Course Code: SF009

      Fee: $805 earlybird payable by March 1, 2023

      *NOTE: If paying by e-transfer please email your payment to
      payment@emmausformation.ca
      Include the following in the message section of your transfer:   Course Title, Your Name & Fees
      Proceed to complete the transfer.

      Add this course
    Certificate Description
    Requirements
    • Successful completion of the 2-year Spiritual Formation Studies Program or equivalent
    • Students are expected to be in spiritual direction, for the duration of the program
    Learned Outcomes include
    • A clear 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 importance of spiritual direction in the church community
    • An understanding and experience of the nuances of the spiritual direction relationship
    • An understanding of the current context of spiritual direction and issues facing spiritual directors today

    Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction

    SELF PACED

    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.

    How to Get Started?
    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.

    Continuing Education

    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

    Application for Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction

      Are you Under 3030-4040-60Over 60

      BECOME A STUDENT

      To become a student of Emmaus Formation Centre,  submit your application form. Upon acceptance, you may create an account and then register for courses.

      You have already created an account with us! Please ensure that you submit your application form. Upon acceptance, you may register for courses.

      SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

      Training

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      • School of Formation
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      Courses Open for Registration

      • Placeholder Spiritual Direction 4: The Ministry of Spiritual Direction $905.00
      • Placeholder Soul-Shaping Direction: INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL DIRECTION 1 $815.00
      • Placeholder Soul-Shaping Practices: LIVING THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES $815.00
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      Spiritual formation gives us some really important Christian tools, primarily the spiritual practices to meet the deep longings and the big challenges of life.
      Rev. Dr. Paul Bramer
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      The testimonies of people who had experienced the benefits of having a spiritual director were moving and inspiring. Your ministry is a wonderful expression of God's love and tender care for His treasures here on earth.
      Steve Read, PHD
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      There's so much more you can learn with other people than when you're just reading scripture by yourself. The Spiritual Direction program has expanded my thinking about God, spirituality and how very different we all relate to Him. I highly recommend this program.
      Tammy Pierce, Emmaus Student
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      The course has developed a new hunger in me for scripture. I also appreciate the time of group spiritual direction as we process together between classes.
      Lynne Ball, Emmaus Student
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      Taking time in spiritual direction to reflect on where God is, day-to-day, has awakened in me, a clarity of vision. It has renewed my passion and continues to be a crucial part of my spiritual discipline. The impact of spiritual direction affects not only me, but my congregation and the community we serve.
      Rev. Angie Song, Associate Pastor, Vaughan Community Church
      Enter author information.
      The first course – Introduction to Spiritual Formation – gave us high quality instruction that incorporated visuals, art, music, spiritual direction exercises as well as teaching that reflected a scholarly breadth of understanding and insight into both historical and current Christianity. I’d recommend this course, alone, for anyone interested in gaining a solid introduction into ancient-contemporary Christianity, and grasping something of how our orthopraxy and orthodoxy can fit even better together! Emmaus is a long-waited for gift, to believers and churches in the GTA and surrounding areas.
      Naomi Johnson, Emmaus Student
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      Ministry is challenging and can leave those who pursue it feeling depleted and lonely. Spiritual direction replenishes me. It deepens my perspective, keeps me grounded in God’s Word and reminds me that I am connected with Jesus and his community of friends.
      Rev. Andrew Gordon, Pastor, Compass Church
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      I discovered that I was serving out of a depletion—a growing depletion of soul. And so I knew that I needed someone to come alongside of me, and not listen for me—but to listen with me. And I think every emerging leader needs a spiritual director. Not to replace God. Not to replace the discipline of being in silence, in solitude, and listening to God through scripture, through His holy word, through the presence of the Holy Spirit—but to help clarify the questions.
      Rev. Marc Gauvreau – PAOC Discipleship & Spiritual Direction
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      Spiritual direction and spiritual formation has been a journey that I will continue for as long as I’m in ministry, and as long as I have breath because the benefits are just so astounding, and I can’t imagine carrying on in ministry without it.
      Rev. Ron Shantz, Executive Director, Front Line Outreach
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      How is your relationship deepened and nurtured in the context of your ministry? Many in ministry often say it’s not, and we’re all running around like a chicken without a head. It’s crucial, that we all have—especially in ministry—a spiritual director. These conversations about spiritual direction are immensely helpful because it starts where you are at—of your own ego and of your own desire to be somebody important in ministry. Now I can lead a life where I'm responding to God, rather than soliciting a response from God.
      Rev. John Kim – Pastor Bridgeway Church
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      The Individual Retreat is a process over a period of days where you interact with scripture, learn ways of praying, and develop that kind of personal connection with God. So it’s a process of developing our soul-connection—spirit-connection—with God, so that we are seeing God’s work in daily life, and that we are creating space for God in the crush of the normal things that happen in our daily lives. So that is one of the formation processes that an organization like Emmaus can facilitate or help with in churches—is to run retreats like that, that help people get into that mindset.
      Rick Wukasch – Associate Pastor, The Meeting House
      Enter author information.
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