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), online (including forums and video classes) and one weekend residency-retreat (Friday afternoon to Sunday with intensive classes, communal worship and meals at a Retreat Centre). 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