Beyond the Basics - Tending the Call: Ongoing education and training for Spiritual Directors
Includes learning, experiential practices, practical topics and more
Refresh - Renew - Reconnect
Large group / Small group model during each module, based on a Spiritual Direction book by classic authors
Did you always wish Tending the Holy had an optional third year? Or that you could revisit some of the teaching now that you have actual directees? Do you miss being in a contemplative community, where talking about deep things was the norm? Feeling rusty... longing for a refresher or to improve some of your skills as a director? Join us for this substantial, life-giving class!
This online class was created to provide continuing education for spiritual directors, while also including an experiential component. Each six-sesion module will include learning about several common topics that come up in our direction ministries, along with communal group discussions where we learn from one another.
We will also look at practical topics such as how to find directees, set up a practice, create a retreat, bring spiritual direction to your church/community, etc. You will also enjoy a peer group supervision experience that will enhance your understanding, tools and skillset regarding this most important practice for us as directors.
This is a great class for any Spiritual Director whether you’ve just been seeing directees for a little while or have been offering direction for years. Both beginning and advanced directors will benefit from the materials. Christian Spiritual Directors from Christos and other organizations are welcome.
Module One (Summer) begins in June 2026. Module Two (Fall) is planned for Sept. - Nov. 2026. Module Three (Winter/SPring) is planned for January - March 2027. You may take modules individually, or all three.
DETAILS:
MODULE ONE - Dates: Six sessions, Tuesdays - June 9 & 23; July 7 & 21; August 4 & 18, 2026
3:00 - 5:00 pm CT Online via Zoom
The first hour is large group book discussion, teaching and a time for practical consultation questions; the second hour is small group skills practice and supervision.
Required Resource: Our discussion for Module One will be based on the book Spiritual Direction: Practical Introduction by Sue Pickering. Each module will also end with a reflection paper from each participant.
Cost :
$495 for Christos alumni; $595 for others. Non-refundable registration fee of $50. Registration fee is applied toward tuition if you apply before May 12, 2026. Balance may be paid in two installments: payment #1 is due before June 9, and payment #2 is due by July 15.
Registration deadline is May 26, 2026 at noon. A minimum of 10 registrations are required for class to be held. A link to the online sessions will be emailed to you the day before the session. Facilitator is Cecilia Whitacre, Christos Chicago Tending the Holy Coordinator and trained supervisor. Questions? Contact cecilia@christoscenter.org
