Home » Program Overview » Spiritual Guidance Training

Spiritual Guidance Training for Clergy and Congregational Leaders

September 2008-May 2009

Clergy, pastors and congregational leaders are called to guide the soul of   persons and congregations whom they serve. This introduction to the art and practice of spiritual companioning (spiritual direction) provides essential understandings and skills for this ministry of guidance.

This interactive training will meet monthly on Tuesdays, and include readings, short assignments, and a commitment to attendance of and participation in all sessions.

Themes include:

 Introduction to Spiritual Guidance

Attending to the Divine – Human Relationship

Attending to the Person to Person Relationship

Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Guidance

Discernment

Spiritual Companioning in the Congregation

Group Spiritual Direction

Guidelines of Ethical Conduct

Models of Spiritual Guidance 

Each day includes opportunity to:

 
  1. Deepen one’s own prayer and journey with God,
  2. Reflect on themes connected to spiritual guidance,
  3. Develop skills of spiritual companioning and direction,
  4. Reflect on implications for ministry in various settings, 
  5. Observe and participate in giving and receiving guidance within the group.

Faculty:

Marcus Smucker, Ph.D., Spiritual Director; Certificate in spiritual direction from Shalem Institute of Spirituality; Postgraduate certificate in supervision of spiritual directors from Chestnut Hill College; Certified Pastoral Counselor; Professor Emeritus, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary; and Adjunct Professor, Eastern Mennonite Seminary.  Training and supervision of spiritual directors, Kairos School of Spiritual Formation. 

Cheryl Lehman, M.Div. from Lancaster Theological Seminary; Spiritual Director; Certificate in spiritual direction from Kairos School of Spiritual Formation; Postgraduate certificate in supervision of spiritual directors from Chestnut Hill College; Training and supervision of spiritual directors for Kairos. Retreat leading. 

Location:  Wernersville, PA

 All sessions are held at the quiet and beautiful campus of the Jesuit Spiritual Center, North Church Road, Wernersville, Pa.  There are classrooms, chapels, and 260 acres of rolling hills and woods for strolling and solitude.  All meals are served buffet style.  Consider spending an overnight before or after the training sessions for a time of personal retreat.  Contact the office for details. 

Dates:

These training sessions will meet on  the following Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

September 9, 2008
October 7, 2008
November 18, 2008
December 9, 2008
January 13, 2009
February 10, 2009
March 10, 2009
April 7, 2009
May 5, 2009

Cost:

The cost is based on nine monthly sessions. We are unable to offer a refund for any missed session. 

Non-refundable application fee:    $50.00          

Tuition and meals:                       $1,000.00         Due Sept. 9, 2008           

     Or Payment Plan:       $330.00       Due Sept. 9, 2008

                                         $330.00        Due Nov. 18, 2008

                                         $340.00        Due Feb. 10, 2009

 

Application Form (PDF)

Print out PDF Applicaton and mail with application fee to the office.  Contact the office with questions or to request an application to be mailed to you.