A sacred space for your journey of spiritual formation and renewal, for life and ministry.
Certificate in Spiritual Formation
TWO-YEAR PROGRAM
The goal of spiritual formation is not success or achievement, but to become a person whose life radiates the love and presence of Christ.
RICHARD FOSTER
CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION
This two-year, part-time online program is designed to nurture a deeper relationship with Christ and equip participants for personal and vocational growth. Rooted in community and guided by experienced practitioners, the curriculum invites participants into a journey of transformation, reflection, and faithful practice.
WHO IT’S FOR
Whether you are a pastor, leader, spiritual companion, or simply seeking a life deeper in the Spirit, you are welcome here. No prior theological education or ministry experience is required—only a desire to grow in prayer, discernment, and spiritual formation.
A LIFE SHAPED BY PRESENCE AND PRACTICE
This program cultivate lives deeply attentive to God’s presence and responsive to the needs of others. Graduates emerge with practical skills, a grounded knowledge of Christian theology and Church history, and a lived experience of formation. You will be equipped to accompany others, engage faithfully in your church and community, and continue your lifelong growth in Christ.
CONTINUING THE JOURNEY
For those who discern a call to further training, completing this course of study may serve as a bridge into our Spiritual Direction track, with credits transferable upon permission.
Program Overview
Participants in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation explore the foundations and practices of Christian spiritual life. Through study, reflection, and guided practice, learners engage and develop in five key areas.
01 Theology of Formation
Gain a robust understanding of the process of spiritual transformation—discovering how God’s grace works both in the individual soul and within the life of the church.
02 Historical Foundations
Explore the rich heritage of the Church, learning how believers throughout history have practiced and passed down the wisdom of spiritual formation.
03 Rhythms of Spiritual Practices
Deepen your relationship with God through intentional spiritual disciplines. Grow in your ability to listen and respond to the Spirit through embodied rhythms that transform how you inhabit the world.
04 Discernment & Direction
Be introduced to the ministry of spiritual direction and supervision, fostering a deeper appreciation for holy listening and communal discernment.
05 Leadership
Develop the vision to integrate spiritual formation and direction into your local church or ministry, equipping you to nurture the spiritual health of your community.
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
-
![BEV GIROUX]()
"Emmaus formed me to listen—slowly, prayerfully, and with trust in God’s gentle work. The program grounded me spiritually, surrounded me with wise companions, and gave me the confidence to step into spiritual direction with humility. I see the fruit of that formation every day with my directees and in my church."
BEV GIROUX
-
![Agnes Leung]()
"Emmaus has shaped me through community, prayer, and shared learning. Studying here continues to be a rich season of learning that fits into the rhythms of my life. Through deep connection with like-minded students and expert teachers, I am becoming a more equipped spiritual companion in every area of my life—as a wife, mother, friend, and ministry leader."
AGNES LEUNG
-
![Kayla Colford]()
"Studying with the instructors and students at Emmaus is so uplifting and inspiring; it has felt like coming home. I am so grateful that God led me to Emmaus and this transformational experience that is empowering my ministry of helping people grow closer in their relationship with Jesus."
KAYLA COLFORD -
![Leanne Cabral]()
"My time at Emmaus was such a gift. The studies grounded me, giving me both depth and a stronger foundation by bringing together theology, church history, and the rich streams of the Christian tradition. It was incredibly insightful; the dots connected in ways I hadn’t expected, and I am so grateful for the deep, meaningful relationships formed in my cohort."
LEANNE CABRAL -
![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
What to Expect
Program Outline
Cohort model, with six online courses over two 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 ministry, leadership, and spiritual companionship.
Program Fees
Application Fee: $100 (one-time, non-refundable)
Course Fee: $950 per course
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 Direction
Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction
