Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Introduction

Interest in Christian spirituality has exploded in the last decade. Christian spirituality explores our relationship with God, how it is initiated, affirmed, and nurtured. Spiritual development demands that hard, ethical questions be asked about the living of faith in a changing world.

To respond to this growing demand, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, in cooperation with Columbia Theological Seminary and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, offers a special Certificate in Spiritual Formation. The program is designed for both ministers and lay leaders who want to encourage others in their spiritual growth. While the work is challenging, no specific degree is required as a prerequisite. The program is designed to be completed in three to five years. This booklet provides an overview of the program, discussion of the specific requirements for each phase of the Certificate, and information about registration, housing, and other details at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Today's theological climate has fostered a growing interest in Christian spirituality, especially as men and women everywhere make serious inquiry into the nature, practice, and significance of a life in the Spirit of Christ. In response, the Certificate in Spiritual Formation was created to be a non-degree program specifically for committed laypersons and church professionals who wish to help others on their spiritual journeys and to learn more about Christianity's rich spiritual heritage. This intentional learning opportunity offers a serious exploration of community-grounded spirituality that is rooted in Scripture, theology, and practice.

Benefits of the Program

Participants in the Certificate program will gain a broad understanding of the Christian spiritual tradition and the various practices which have emerged from it. They will learn spiritual practices experientially and will develop skills for helping others in their growth. Finally, persons in this structured study experience will discover the relationship of Christian Spirituality to compassion, justice, and effective ministry.

Tuition Cost

Immersion Week - $400
Elective Course Weeks - Six at $350 each
Practicum - $400
Spiritual Pilgrimage - $600 tuition plus travel costs

Components of the Program

Immersion Experience Week

This week-long course begins Sunday evening and ends Friday at noon. This is the basic course and the normal prerequisite for other courses. The week provides opportunities to reflect on one's spiritual journey and to develop resources for helping others on such a journey. Insights gleaned here will provide focus regarding each individual's strengths and weaknesses, helping participants to discern a structure for selecting future courses.

Elective Courses

Candidates are required to complete six elective courses. Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will offer three or four electives each year, and candidates may also take electives offered by the other seminaries in the partnership. The electives will examine spirituality from biblical, theological, historical, literary, social, doctrinal, and/or practical dimensions. The courses begin on Sunday evening and end Friday at noon. An experiential dimension will be a part of all the electives. The course structure includes lectures, group discussions, worship, and the practice of new insights.

Practicum

In this phase of the program, each student will conceive, design, conduct, and evaluate a practical act of ministry. The Practicum may include such projects as forming a small group for prayer, study, support, or outreach; leading a retreat; and teaching a school of prayer.

Pilgrimage

The final segment of the Certificate program involves a pilgrimage to a place of theological and spiritual significance such as Jerusalem, Iona, Geneva, Rome, or Spain. The pilgrimage will provide an opportunity to reflect on what students learned from the program, share an important pilgrimage with other participants, and deepen one's faith by visiting holy places for prayer, reflection, and meditation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any prerequisites for beginning the Certificate Program?

A: No. There are no prerequisites for the Certificate program. It is necessary, however, that participants be able to read and write English. Students will be asked to read several books and write reflection papers.
 

Q: Can I transfer other courses into the Certificate Program and get credit?

A. Except in very unusual circumstances, other courses are not accepted for credit. While involvement with other programs is encouraged whenever beneficial to you, the partnership has developed a coordinated program of learning and spiritual formation that is intended to be experienced as an integral whole. In those rare cases when a course is indeed accepted, a $50 fee will be charged for credit in the Program.
 

Q: When is tuition money due for the courses?

A: When a participant registers for a course, a $50 deposit is requested. Unless otherwise notified, the total balance of the tuition is due four weeks prior to the beginning of the course.

Q: May I take these courses for academic credit?

A: In general, these classes are not designed for academic credit. They provide a different kind of learning experience (e.g., in teaching style, evaluation, and course length). If you believe that a given Certificate class is appropriate for academic credit, please make your own arrangements with your seminary or school's program.
 

Q: Do I have to take all my courses at one location?

A: No. You must take at least three of your electives and your Practicum at the same location as you did your Immersion Experience Week. Up to three electives may be taken through Columbia or Austin Seminaries.
 

Q: How many people are there in each class?

A: Registration for classes is generally from 15 to 20 participants.
 

Q: Can I get a single room?

A: Yes.
 

Q: How many classes may I take each year?

A: In most cases two to three classes per year is recommended to allow program completion within five years. You may take more if your time and finances permit.

For More Information

For a list of the current school year courses, visit the Continuing Education site.

The Spiritual Formation Certificate Program maintains a Partnership Website, hosted at Columbia Theological Seminary. The address for the site is: http://spiritualityprogram.com.