Tending the Holy: Preparation for the
Ministry of Spiritual Direction

A Two-Year Spiritual Direction Program

Tending the Holy Graduating Class of 2010 St. Paul/Minneapolis

Today’s Christians are searching for meaning and purpose in life. Some are asking questions about a deeper relationship with Christ. Others are searching for inner peace and are seeking to know God in the ordinary events of life. Still others want to nurture a deep love of God so they can be all God wants them to be.

There is a need for people with spiritual maturity and experience to guide others on this search. Do people seem naturally drawn to you with their spiritual questions? You may be called by God to offer this gift more formally.

Christos Center has been preparing Christian women and men for the ministry of spiritual direction since 1985. Many of these people are now doing spiritual direction and are leading retreats and prayer seminars. Others have used the knowledge to enhance their work as therapist, parish nurses, and clergy. The local class in St. Paul, Minnesota meets two Thursday evenings a month. It is advised that applicants be under the direction of a spiritual director at least one year prior to the beginning of the program.

Along with the regular Thursday evening course held at Christos Center, this course is also offered for distance learners: Those choosing this option receive recordings of the lectures, as well as regular communication with the Christos staff and other class members. Distance learners must be comfortable using the Internet and e-mail. Thus far forty people have either graduated or are currently enrolled in the distance learning program--from the following locations: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Texas, Iowa, Montana, Arkansas, Arizona, Canada, France, Spain, India, and Singapore.

Tending the Holy has been a soul-searching and soul-enriching journey for me. Reading, reflecting, journaling, writing reports, listening, praying, driving, working full time, and more, have been hard work! Each piece of inner work has been rewarding, I am grateful to have learned from the staff about the process of tending the holy within the dynamics of our group and my process. I sense I'm more trustful of the Holy One and feel I'll be led into dream paths that are before me. You have certainly equipped me well and will continue to provide all of us with the resources we need to continue our faith journey and
tend the journey with others. Thank you!
~ 2010 Graduate

The cumulative experience of the year confirmed in me my long growing
sense of discernment of being called to be a spiritual director!
~2010 Graduate

See information about a satellite program in the Chicago, Il area by scrolling down this page.

Patricia Hendricks, Program Coordinator
Christos Center For Spiritual Formation
patchristoscenter@msn.com
651-653-8207

Course Topics:
Year One:

History and Tradition of Spiritual Direction: Desert Mothers/Fathers, Spanish Mystics, Effects of the Reformation, Modern Influences.

Prayer: Growing in Intimacy with God: Introduction to Prayer, Prayer Styles, Prayer: Moving Inward, Moving Upward, Moving Outward, Helping Another in Prayer.

The Spiritual Direction Relationship: Prayer and Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Direction and Other Ministries, Relationship Between Director and Directee, Ethics, Ministry Possibilities.

Year Two:

Scripture and Theology: Using Scripture in Spiritual Direction, Theological Assumptions, Theology and Spiritual Direction..

Discernment: Styles of Discernment, Noticing Interior Movements, Helping Directees Grow in Discernment, Listening to God in Times of Choice.

Human and Spiritual Development: Stages of Faith, Faith Development and Personality, Grief and Loss, Ministry Possibilities.

Bibliography available on request.

Download a Brochure

Tending the Holy Graduating Class 2009 Chicago Area

Fall of 2009: Chicago Area Course

Christos Center offers a spiritual direction preparation program in the western suburbs of Chicago, Ilinois.

Participants in the Chicago area are considered an extension of the Minnesota class and will receive recordings of the presentations twice a month. Participants will meet twice a month in small groups in the Western Chicago Suburbs with Christos alumni facilitating.

For more information or an application, call or e-mail the Chicago area office: 630-469-6837 jvicha@wowway.com. Coordinator: Jessie Vicha.
Chicago Area Brochure