Tending the Holy: Preparation for the
Ministry of Spiritual Direction

A Two-Year Spiritual Direction Program

ChristosChicago, IL Program

Tending the Holy Graduating Class 2011 ChristosChicago

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. It is advised that applicants be under the direction of a spiritual director at least one year prior to the beginning of the program.

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: Noticing Interior Movements, Helping Directees Grow in Discernment, Surrender in Discernment.

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 Retreat 2011 ChristosChicago

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, e-mail the ChristosChicago office:
Co-Coordinator: Wai-Chin Matsuoka, wai-chin.christoschicago@live.com