Whitworth Office of Church Engagement Launches Spiritual Direction Certificate Program
This two-year training program, Deep Calls to Deep, provides formation and training in the art of spiritual direction. The program is structured around monthly gatherings that include two-day intensives on campus. 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 with a variety of texts, contemplative prayer practices, reflection prompts and practicum direction sessions.
“Deep Calls to Deep is intentionally designed as a fully in-person program, believing that learning alongside others in a cohort of other people and in a routine way (monthly) reinforces deep learning through growing relationships, conversations and practice,” says Andrea LeRoy, Deep Calls to Deep program co-director.
Also directing the program is Elizabeth Peterson. Both LeRoy and Peterson are active spiritual directors and spiritual direction supervisors in Spokane.
“I am particularly excited about Deep Calls to Deep as it is not only an education in the techniques of holy listening, but is designed as a holistic two-year experience,” Peterson says. “Our hope is that this integrated model of formation and training will not only help develop quality, well-prepared spiritual directors, but individuals who are attentive to their own ongoing formation and who offer postures of contemplative curiosity and deep listening in their communities and our larger world.”
OCE director Mindy Smith says she is thrilled to offer this type of quality training for spiritual directors throughout the region.
“We have discerned a program like this is needed in Spokane. Deep Calls to Deep is a natural extension of the ongoing work of OCE as we exist to train and equip ministry leaders to continue to build up the kingdom of God. Whitworth has always been devoted to the church, and within Whitworth’s Christ-centered mission, this program was a natural fit.”
To learn more about the program and admission requirements, click here. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2024.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university has an enrollment of about 2,500 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
