IFDC230 – The Ministry of Spiritual Direction and Companionship

Affirming the role of authentic community and companionship in discipleship and spiritual formation, this course will work to define “spiritual direction and companionship” – in both its one-on-one form as well as “group” expressions. A variety of resources (including readings from Christian classics) will serve to illuminate key elements of and considerations surrounding such relationships, including: listening skills, psychological awareness, historical background, the differences between direction and counseling, and ethical considerations. Upon completion of the course, participants should have a clear understanding of the nature of the ministry of spiritual guidance as well as the formal processes involved in becoming a certified spiritual director. Completion of this course does not certify a participant as a spiritual director.

There will be 4 required zoom sessions within small groups amongst the learners. These are called “Zoom Listening Sessions” and require the learner to practice skills of spiritual listening that are taught throughout the course. They are scheduled to fit the learners’ availability and will not be recorded. Attendance of these sessions is imperative in order to pass this course.

Learners are required to have the following books for this class:

• Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction, David G. Brenner
• Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction, Alice Fryling
• The Practice of Spiritual Direction, William Barry & William Connolly
• Looking at Type and Spirituality, by Sandra Krebs Hirsh & Jane A. G. Kise

This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.

Pre-requisites for this class are IFDC220

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