Spiritual Direction Certificate Program
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We believe the Spirit of God is at work in every person's life, inviting them into intimacy with God and to be agents of healing and reconciliation, but the pace, distractions and cacophony of the world often drown out the still, small voice of God. The whispers of the Spirit can be difficult to hear, and we need people to help us listen; spiritual directors are such people. Deep Calls to Deep is designed to train potential directors in the art of holy listening and spiritual discernment so that individuals may hear and heed the voice of Divine Love.
A two-year training and formation program in the art of spiritual direction, our certificate program invites participants to develop postures of contemplative listening and compassionate presence with emphases on interior growth, discernment, prayer and practice. Structured around a rhythm of monthly gatherings, students are invited to join a community of learners who will journey together in prayerful listening and skill building while benefiting from the experience of various instructors and one-on-one mentors. Between gatherings, students will engage a variety of texts, contemplative prayer practices, reflection prompts and practicum direction sessions.
We invite individuals from a variety of Christian backgrounds to join us for two years of a deepening awareness of God’s Spirit present in their own lives and in the lives of those whom they companion on the journey of faith.
To learn more about what spiritual direction is, please read our Philosophy of Spiritual Direction.
"What exactly do spiritual directors do? The simple and most direct answer I can give is that they help others attend to God's presence and revelation and prepare to respond to him. In other words, they help people attune themselves to God."
– David Benner
Deep Calls to Deep is a robust certificate program designed to be accessible to working adults who are looking to grow as companions to others on the journey of faith. This includes participants who hope to serve as spiritual directors, those in existing ministry roles (pastors, chaplains, lay leaders), other professionals (doctors, business leaders, etc.) and anyone who feels their lives would be enriched by developing the skills of deep listening, contemplation and compassionate presence.
Deep Calls to Deep seeks to honor the person, process and practice of spiritual direction. We do this through:
Upon completion of all requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion from Whitworth University.
Prerequisites:
Application Process
Cost: $6,500
(Payment can be made all at once or divided per semester (four payments total). First semester tuition is due Dec. 1, 2024.)
Program Cost Covers:
“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” – David W. Augsburger
Upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion from Deep Calls to Deep: Spiritual Direction Training & Formation at Whitworth University. Yes, this will allow you to serve as a thoroughly trained spiritual director.
Distinct from therapy and ordained ministry, there is not currently a certifying body within the field of spiritual direction, so there is not a requirement to be “certified.” This is a larger conversation we will discuss within the context of the program, as it relates to ethics, professionalism and integrity.
Students should also note that this is a non-credit-bearing certificate program.
No, classes will not be recorded. We ask applicants to consider their current life circumstances as attendance is required for completion. We recognize that sometimes things happen beyond our control, and therefore allow participants to miss up to one session per year if the need arises.
Only the cost of your books; anticipate up to three books per semester, likely in the $20 per book range. Beyond that, the registration fee covers all instruction, supervision, facility use, and snacks, coffee and other refreshments throughout each intensive.
Students will be responsible for their own lunches during the intensives. A fridge and microwave will be available for use on campus, and many restaurants are located close to campus.
In an effort to build community and keep the student/instructor ratio low, cohorts are capped at 15 learners.
Are you interested in joining a Deep Calls to Deep Spiritual Direction Training Cohort? Fill out an interest form at the link below. You can also reach out directly to our program directors, Elizabeth and Andrea, with questions.
Elizabeth Peterson is a spiritual director, spiritual direction supervisor, yoga instructor and retreat guide. Elizabeth seeks to create safe and sacred spaces for individuals and groups to reflect on their own lives, become more aware of God’s presence, and live from their truest identity as Beloved. She holds a Master of Arts in spiritual formation from Portland Seminary, a Spiritual Direction Certificate from Gonzaga University, a Spiritual Direction Supervision Certificate from the Companioning Center and a B.A. in education from Whitworth University.
Andrea Le Roy is a spiritual director, retreat guide and spiritual direction supervisor. She began her career in counseling and social work and received her spiritual direction training with the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids in 2014. Andrea enjoys working with individuals from diverse Christian backgrounds and those with little to no experience in organized religion. She holds an M.Ed. in psychological counseling from Vanderbilt University, a Spiritual Direction Certificate from the Dominican Center and a B.A. in religion from Taylor University.