Apprenticeship in Spiritual Direction
(Individually Paced)
A flexible training program tailored to your life and learning context
Our uniquely designed Apprenticeship in Spiritual Direction (ASD) self-paced option builds on a core of historical spiritual theology and practical training modules with special-topic electives and 1:1 mentorship to form deeply rooted spiritual directors.
Receive 100% individual mentorship from an experienced director.
Train fully online at your own pace over two to four years.
Tailor your learning to your vocation with elective modules.
Individually paced program distinctives
The Order of the Common Life’s individually paced apprenticeship in spiritual direction offers a flexible, modular, mentorship-driven training model.
100% individual mentorship: Journey through the entire curriculum with the individualized support of regular 1:1 meetings from a dedicated mentor.
Flexible scheduling: Learn at your pace, slowing or pausing when you need to, to complete your program in two to four years.
Customized learning: Chose from elective modules like Trauma-Informed Spiritual Direction, Discerning Marriage & Celibacy, IFS & Parts Work, and more.
No tuition commitment: Pay as you go, four to eight weeks at a time.
Fully online: Complete your program with no residency requirement.
*Data based on a range of typical programs. ASD length varies based on self-paced progress. See “Cost” below for more.
Time commitments
Time commitments in the ASD individually paced option vary by module and your pace of learning. For a typical module, however, most participants can expect:
Video content, readings, reflection and assignments (4-6 hours weekly)
1:1 mentor meetings (1 hour biweekly)
Receiving spiritual direction (1 hour monthly)
Participants can slow or pause learning at virtually any time, subject to limits.
Entry requirements
Prior to applying, ASD participants should have:
Experience meeting with a spiritual director for at least 12 months
A regular, deep prayer life featuring some degree of both conversation and quiet with God
A lived commitment to the Christian faith
An active commitment to participate in a local church
A persistent sense of invitation to the work of spiritual direction
Consideration can be given for some exceptions.
Curriculum
ASD features a 76-unit curriculum combined with four experiential “practica.” Every two units includes a one-hour individual meeting with a program mentor (or “apprenticeship guide”) who helps deepen your learning, reflection and application.
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This set of modules introduces the overall ASD program in order to ensure a shared understanding and starting point for all students.
Formational Theology Core (32 units)
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This course introduces the development of central theological themes in spiritual formation, from the Gospel of John into the present, including knowledge of God, the image and likeness of God, theosis, the active and contemplative lives, and the role of Scripture.
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This course introduces a historically rooted framework for understanding the dynamics and thresholds for spiritual growth toward contemplative union with God.
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This course introduces students to the ministry of spiritual direction as historically rooted in the desert and monastic tradition, including basic practices, dynamics and challenges.
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This course introduces students to a practical vision for the kind of life that helps form us toward the likeness of God through spiritual practices as a shared way of life.
Praxis Core (24 units)
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This course builds on students’ understanding of the passions and their own understanding of how these show in their own life, how God responds to them, and how we respond to them as spiritual directors.
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This course introduces students to the deep listening skills that form the basis for effective and discerning spiritual direction.
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This course introduces students to how spiritual directors can help guide persons into greater awareness, curiosity and contemplative reflection through thoughtful, well-discerned questions.
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This course introduces students to the ethical foundations and boundaries around the practice of spiritual direction.
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This course introduces students to the foundational principles of Ignatian discernment of interior movements, such as they’ll see in spiritual direction.
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This course builds on students’ understanding of the fundamentals of spiritual direction practice by introducing additional problems, possibilities and contexts, some of which may receive fuller treatment in elective courses.
Practica (2 units)
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As a part of their formation in spiritual direction and the contemplative life, students undergo an eight-month retreat in everyday life, featuring weekly spiritual direction, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
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As a co-requisite to PX2 and PX3, this practicum places students in one-on-one conversations with an eye toward practicing deep listening skills and reflections, allowing students to practice aspects of spiritual direction.
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As a co-requisite to PX5 and PX6, this practicum places students in real one-on-one spiritual direction conversations with individuals from their context or community.
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As a co-requisite with the Spiritual Direction Practicum, this practicum consists of 10 meetings with the student's apprenticeship guide, during each of which they'll examine one of the student's Spiritual Direction Practicum conversations together for exploration and developmental feedback.
Electives & Capstone (18 units)
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• Spiritual Direction in the Local Church
• Trauma-Informed Spiritual Direction
• Journeys of Deconstructing
• Discerning Marriage & Celibacy
• Internal Family Systems and Parts Work
• Ignatian Spiritual Direction
• Spirituality of John of the Cross -
In the ASD capstone, students consult with their apprenticeship guide to craft an individual development plan to continue their personal and professional growth beyond their certification.
Cost
To allow you to go at a flexible pace, the ASD program uses a pay-as-you-learn model. Instead of paying for a year’s tuition up front, you pay for one course at a time ($50/unit) plus a monthly subscription for your “seat” in the program ($25/month).
Course tuition: $3,800
Enrollment seat for 24 months: $600
This means the total cost of instruction and mentorship for someone who completes the program in 24 months is $4,400.
Most apprentices will also be required to undertake the Spiritual Exercises retreat as a part of their formation, which is an additional $2,000 to cover the cost of weekly spiritual direction over about eight months. (Factor the same $25/month over this time).
The cost of books and monthly spiritual direction is not included.
Apprenticeship faculty
How to apply
Applications are open year-round for both self-paced learning and fall online cohorts. Email Wendy Gierhart, program manager for formation and learning, with any questions.