Doctorate degree programs in spiritual direction

David G. Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four one-week long residencies on campus, online components, individual reading and written reflections, and a supervised practicum in the art of spiritual direction. Organized on the cohort model, the certificate is intended to be completed in two and half years.

Areas of focus that weave through the formation program include contemplation and deep listening, awareness of self and the holy spirit, discernment, somatic integration, spiritual practices and self-reflection, supervision and ethics. A team of leaders provide content and feedback in plenary sessions, model spiritual practices and spiritual direction, facilitate afternoon learning labs, mentor participants, and share unique gifts throughout the program.

The leadership team includes:. In teaching, she uses poetry, narrative and the wisdom of the ancients to support contemplative listening, practice and living. In addition to her identity as an Episcopalian, she has been influenced by the monk, Thomas Merton, the author, Evelyn Underhill, the psychiatrist and spiritual director Gerald May, and many Buddhist teachers and authors.

As a therapist, spiritual director, and teacher, CeCe deeply trusts the presence of the real guide, the Holy Spirit. Her deep joys are the liturgies of the church and the wider world in the garden, the ocean and the mountains. CeCe has two adult children and she is the delighted grandmother of a musical sixteen-year-old grandson.

The Rev. Jim enjoys running triathlons, studying Hebrew, and classical guitar. Liz serves as an instructor and practice group facilitator in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program at Columbia Seminary. Deedra Rich is a teacher, spiritual director, retreat leader and supervisor for spiritual directors. She has worked with the Spirituality Program at Columbia for over 10 years serving in a variety of capacities — facilitator, instructor, program coordinator, former director, and practicum adviser.

She serves as an instructor and spiritual direction supervisor in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction. The church today desperately needs leaders with contemplative awareness to better address the anxiety, tensions, and complexities of our times.

The first two years of this cohort will give students the skills to serve as trained spiritual directors. As a doctoral level program, however, this cohort goes further in equipping students with the academic study of Christian spirituality through understanding the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of the spiritual life.

Year three will further develop students as spiritual leaders who are able to facilitate growth and transformation in community. The first year focuses on the biblical and historical roots of spiritual direction through the early church and the desert fathers and mothers.

Students will cultivate greater attentiveness to their interior movements as they engage with the foundational practices of silence and listening. In addition, students are required to receive spiritual direction with a trained director before starting the cohort and through the duration of the program.

Students will also begin practicing spiritual direction with their cohort peers under supervision. Students on the supervision track will begin mentoring and supervising their peers as well as teaching some of the training sessions and contemplative practices.

The course will also go deeper into the dynamics of encounter and experience with the Holy Spirit. As spiritual directors, students will be trained to facilitate the practice of discernment and will begin practicing spiritual direction with at least two directees under supervision. Year three focuses on deepening spiritual leadership. The course will engage with the Quaker and Celtic traditions as well as global voices in Christian spirituality. In year three, students will be equipped with the skills to lead group spiritual direction, learning how to teach and facilitate contemplative spiritual practices.

Are you interested in continuing your MDiv or Theological studies? The Doctor of Ministry Degree is a professional degree. Students interested in the Doctor of Ministry program can expect to develop further in their professional practice.

Further, they will make important contributions to their field of practice. The Spiritual Formation and Discipleship track engages seekers who desire to deepen their journey of personal transformation for the sake of spiritual renewal in their communities. Students will explore diverse approaches to formation and how they can be contextualized in various settings.