Listening for Light is...
a formation and training program for those called to provide attentive, gracious, hospitable spiritual direction for others on their journey.
Who might join?
This spiritual direction program is designed for those who sense a call to pursue the formation and training needed to offer the ministry of spiritual direction to others—often this call has been growing over time. Generally speaking, those accepted to the program will have been in monthly direction with a trained director for at least six months before beginning the program in September 2025. They will plan to create space in their lives for concentrated study and practice, to participate in nearly every class session and all scheduled retreats.
How will this work?
Listening for Light features six on-site weekend retreats woven together by virtual weekly class sessions. You’ll build lasting relationships with a cohort of learners, moving together through the curriculum, working with the material individually and collectively. You’ll practice the skills of spiritual direction with one another for several months before beginning to offer direction under supervision to practice clients. Throughout the program, you will be guided by experienced directors who are also skilled instructors and supervisors.
Where will we meet?
We'll get together in person for six weekends at The Welcoming Place in Akron, PA. Together from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, we'll pray and worship, practice and discover, and be both formed and trained in the practice of spiritual direction.
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We'll also gather virtually, choosing a time that fits our schedules, weekly during the fall, winter, and spring. We'll spend time on presentations, demonstrations, conversation, practicum exercises, and supervision. These sessions allow us to address a depth and breadth of experience and material equivalent to four seminary classes in only fifteen months.
Then what?
After fulfilling all program requirements, including offering 20 direction sessions and participating in 10 supervision sessions, you'll receive a certificate in spiritual direction at our closing retreat. Having completed the equivalent of a two-year formation and training program, you can begin to offer spiritual direction in the contexts to which you are called. You'll continue to meet with your own director and participate in individual or group supervision as well. You'll also be eligible for full membership in networks of spiritual directors like ESDA or SDI.
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