Certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Direction (Guidance)
A 16-month distance learning program with a residential institute in Racine, WI., resulting in a Certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Guidance
Next training begins October, 2024.
Interfaith/Interspiritual Spiritual Guidance Training & Certificate Program
October 2024 - January 2026
A 16-month, hybrid (online) learning program
Cohort 8 will be taught by Dr. Jeanette Banashak, Rev. John Chang-Yee Lee, DMin & Dr. Kristina Stone Kaiser, DMin
Our Leading Edge Training Model
Our certification program for interfaith/interspiritual guidance will teach you the art and practice of spiritual guidance/direction/companioning and prepare you to establish a private, client-based practice or work/serve within an organization of your choosing.
Our andragogy (adult learning model) focuses on the inner development of the spiritual seeker and guide, compassionate sacred activism, familiarization with the world's religions and prominent spiritual movements; and the many ways spirituality is being experienced today, including "spiritual but not religious." This approach helps us deepen our knowledge of how seekers experience the Sacred in their own unique ways. Over time, this leads to an unfolding awareness that beneath each tradition runs a river of ultimate truth shared by many.
Our 16-month journey takes us from interfaith to interspiritual, deepening our personal understanding of how the divine reveals itself in each person's life, across time and traditions. By mastering the art of deep listening we can be available to all individuals, thereby expanding the role of the spiritual guide to be a compassionate leader in the world.
If you are already a trained spiritual director, we have another program that is better suited to your needs. Read more here.
"SGTI has not only opened me up to the beauty and diversity of the spiritual traditions and practices our world holds, but it has offered me a deeper understanding of myself and my own spiritual life and by extension the potential I hold to compassionately serve others on their spiritual journey."
~ K. G., Energy Worker, Michigan
Program Structure
Our curriculum begins with a hybrid residential institute, online OR in Racine, WI (your choice), October, 2024, ideal for international students. Led by Dr. Jeanette Banashak, Dr. John Chang-Yee Lee and Kristina Stone Kaiser. We launch our discussions on interfaith and interspiritual guidance and are introduced to our model of compassionate sacred activism and non-judgmental, compassionate listening. We participate in contemplative practices from various traditions to deepen our self-awareness.
We continue to learn and grow together in an online format (one learning module every 2 to 4 weeks) and by offering spiritual guidance/accompaniment to seekers in our own cities (or virtually) from January 2025 through January, 2026. We go deeper into our inner lives and learn with and from the voices in our texts, guest speakers, peer groups, and clients. Our instruction includes written, audio, video and "real time" interaction with one another. In an online format, we are able to focus on the practice of spiritual guidance, peer groups, and one-on-one supervision. Each participant receives mentoring one-hour per month (via Zoom) from a trained supervisor to ensure success in the program.
Short learning institutes of 1-2 days throughout the year (via Zoom) offer a continuation of our central themes and relevant topics. We continue to deepen our understanding and practice of spiritual guidance, embodiment of deep listening, Enneagram studies, and learning to offer group spiritual direction among other topics.
Our concluding module in January 2026 represents a celebration of our work and dedication to our practice. Graduation is held January 2026, online.
Course Requirements
To be certified as an Interfaith/Interspiritual Guide students must demonstrate completion
and mastery of:
1 Hybrid Residential lnstitute in Racine, WI. (in person or via Zoom, your choice); and 2-3 virtual Institutes of 1-3 days
each throughout the year.30 learning modules (1-2 per month)
12 Peer group sessions via Zoom
14 Group learning sessions via Zoom
28 hrs. of in-person practice of spiritual guidance with your own seekers (directees)
12 One-on-one mentoring sessions with a supervisor referred to you by SGTI
Maintain a regular contemplative practice and receive spiritual direction/guidance monthly
Reading, papers and projects as assigned (8-10 hrs. of study per week)
Areas of Study and Mastery
Each module includes elements of compassionate sacred activism and sacred listening.
Tuition: (2024)
Our 16-month program is $5948
This includes:
• 16-mos. of online training (30 modules)
• 14 group instruction sessions via Zoom
• 12 peer group sessions via Zoom
*Does not include $50 (non-fundable application fee).
Additional fees not included in program fee: books, cost of travel and study in Wisconsin (optional), occasional online downloads of streaming videos per our curriculum. Does not include personal spiritual direction, nor does it include supervision (with an SGTI approved supervisor) which is required of all students.
Hybrid Learning in Racine, WI
In person and via Zoom
Meeting place: Siena Retreat Center, Racine, WI. USA
Dates: October, 2024
Housing: 5 nights, private room & bath.
Meals: All meals will be provided.
Siena Center offers the perfect, contemplative meeting space for our cohort gatherings. Amenities include an outdoor labyrinth, bookstore, access to Lake Michigan, and abundant nature for walking and reflection
Scholarship Availability
We have a limited number of partial scholarships available to qualified applicants.
Please contact us to learn if you might be eligible.
Payment Schedule (2024-2026 cohort)
Upon acceptance: Tuition downpayment of $500
10/01/2024: Tuition of $1,816
3/01/2025: Tuition of $1,816
8/01/2025: Tuition of $1,816
Payment Options:
Venmo, Pay Pal (extra 3% charge,) or personal check. For those in need of a payment plan, contact us.
Other Policies and Fees
Faculty will work individually with participants should they fall behind in payments, miss class, cancel their participation, postpone participation, are asked to leave the program, or if any extenuating circumstance arise that requires a change in payment.
However, if a participant withdraws from the program, and a scheduled payment has been made, no refunds will be given for that payment.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact us.
Please contact us with application interest
Earn an Advanced Degree
Earn your Certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Guidance from SGTI and go on to earn an advanced degree through our PRIME partner, The Graduate Theological Foundation. Our graduates receive full credit toward their Master of Pastoral Counseling degree and the Doctor of Ministry degree, each with a specialty in Interfaith/Interspiritual Guidance. The Graduate Theological Foundation, an ecumenical, inter-religious institution, is celebrating its 5th decade providing advanced educational opportunities to practicing ministry professionals, including flexible and convenient online, on-site and distance learning opportunities.
Learn more.
Note: You may study concurrently with SGTI and GTF. You do not have to have completed your SGTI studies to enroll in an advanced degree program with GTF .