A sacred space for nurturing souls through the practice of spiritual direction.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
THREE-YEAR PROGRAM
Spiritual direction is the practice of paying attention to God together, helping one another see the movement of the Spirit in our lives and encouraging faithful response.
RUTH HALEY BARTON
CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
This three-year, part-time program is designed to form practitioners who can accompany others with wisdom, care, and spiritual discernment. Rooted in community and guided by experienced directors, this pathway invites you into a journey of both personal transformation and professional skill-building.
WHO IT’S FOR
This program is for pastors, leaders, and companions drawn to the ministry of guiding souls. Whether you are pursuing a professional vocation or a personal calling, you are welcome here. No prior theological education is required—only a desire to cultivate attentiveness to God and a heart to nurture others in their spiritual journeys.
A LIFE SHAPED BY DISCERNMENT
Our goal is to forms directors who lead with clarity, compassion, and integrity. Graduates emerge with the practical skills and embodied experience necessary to create sacred spaces for others. You will be equipped to bridge theory and practice, faithfully accompanying individuals in their life of prayer, discernment, and spiritual growth.
Program Overview
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction invites participants into a deeply integrative journey of formation, combining personal growth, practical skill, and spiritual discernment. The program is organized around four interwoven themes.
01 Theology of Formation and Soul Care
02 Discernment and Accompaniment
Develop the specific skills needed to guide others through spiritual discernment. This theme emphasizes the art of listening deeply, attending to the whole person, and recognizing God’s movement in the lives of those you accompany.
Explore the core principles of Christian formation and the role of Scripture in nurturing the soul. You will learn how prayer, spiritual disciplines, and deep attentiveness to God’s presence form the essential heart of a spiritual director.
03 Historical and Theological Perspectives
Engage the Church's rich heritage of prayer and direction. By studying how past wisdom informs contemporary care, you will learn to situate your ministry within a broader, time-tested tradition.
04 Applied Spiritual Direction
Integrate theory and praxis through supervised sessions and reflective assignments. You will gain confidence in creating sacred spaces for accompaniment, applying diverse models in real-life contexts while continuing your own ongoing formation.
Join Us for a Preview Event
This online gathering is a welcoming space to meet faculty, alumni, students, and staff; learn more about our certificate programs; and ask any questions you may have as you discern your next step.
Please complete the form below to submit your registration, and we look forward to meeting you online soon!
Stories of Transformation
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![DONNA-MICHELLE RANCOUER]()
"Studying at Emmaus has been transformative for me. I’ve discovered God’s deep desire to be in relationship with each of us, and learned more fully what it means to be nurtured in community. My time at Emmaus has deepened my understanding of God, myself, and spiritual direction—and it’s equipped me to encourage spiritual formation within my own church."
DONNA-MICHELLE RANCOUER
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![Tammy Pierce]()
"There's so much more you can learn with other people than when you're just reading scripture by yourself. Emmaus' Certificate of 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
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![Pauline Peneycad]()
"Every single course was incredibly rich; it felt like a gift the Lord gave me. It’s been a rich season of learning and growing, where Scripture is opened up in new ways, and I learn how to hear God more deeply. It’s honestly a mind-blowing experience.”
PAULINE PENEYCAD
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![Dan Armishaw]()
"The Emmaus School of Formation and Direction showed me the power of learning in community. I could grow at my own pace and embrace the journey without fear of not being ‘advanced enough.’ Through this formation, I’ve gained confidence, joy, and the assurance that God is with me in my ministry."
DAN ARMISHAW
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![Christine Long]()
"When I shared about Emmaus at my church and asked if anyone would trust me enough to be their directee, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure there would be interest. But five people approached me. I was shocked... and deeply encouraged. God provided more than I imagined!"
CHRISTINE LONG
What to Expect
Program Outline
Cohort model, with ten online courses over three 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 spiritual direction, ministry, and leadership.
Program Fees
Application Fee: $100 (one-time, non-refundable)
Course Fee: $950 per course
Practicum Fee: $210
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.
Important Dates
Preview Event: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Fall 2026 Cohort Application Deadline: Friday, June 26, 2026
Student Orientation (Fall 2026): Saturday, August 24, 2026
Semester Timeline
Fall Semester: September—December
Winter Semester: January—March
Spring Semester: April—June
Additional Questions
Connect With Us!
Emmaus Certificate Programs
Certificate in Spiritual Formation
Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction
