Overview
Historically understood as “soul care”, spiritual directors accompany others through the ages and stages of their faith journey as they live out the call of the gospel in their lives – heart, soul, mind and body. Those they accompany are invited to listen and attend to God’s voice in ever-deepening ways. They offer help interpreting their life experiences. Those who seek spiritual direction often do so when they become spiritual dry, face change, loss or uncertainty or difficult choices.
Certification
Tyndale's Spiritual Directors are certified with the Canadian Council of Professional Certification (CCPC). Certification recognizes Spiritual Directors have fulfilled an acceptable standard.
Certified Spiritual Director (CSD)
A Certified Spiritual Director (CSD) receives specific training in Bible, Theology, and Spiritual Formation, who assist individuals (called directees) in their spiritual journey. With an interest in the spiritual health and well-being, they provide ministry through regular one-on-one sessions (or group sessions) that are focused on listening to, and working with both the directee and the Holy Spirit.
Educational Requirement
- A Certified Spiritual Director (CSD) holds a Graduate degree in Spiritual Formation that includes biblical and theological studies, stages of faith, prayer and human development, experiential knowing and theological reflection
- Applicants who have a Bachelors Degree in Spirituality may be considered given that meet all other requirements
Experience Requirement
- Authorized to minister in Spiritual Direction by the individual's home church or appropriate judicatory body
- Meet the core competencies outlined in the CCPC Spiritual Director Standard Manual
Internship Requirement
- Written documentation indicating at least 8 months internship of formal education in spiritual direction
- Accumulate a total of 500 face-to-face hours, supervised by a CSD Supervisor or an approved supervisor
- Submit the Supervisor's report pertaining to the applicant having met the required competencies of a Spiritual Director
CSD Coursework Requirement
- SPIR 0601 Finding Your Way: Principles of Spiritual Direction
- SPIR 0609 Prayer and the People of God
- SPIR 0610 Protestant Spiritual Traditions
- SPIR 0700 Spiritual Formation
- SPIR 0710 Spiritual Direction Practicum I
- SPIR 0711 Spiritual Direction Practicum II
- Two Spiritual Formation Courses