Interfaith/Interspiritual Wisdom Training
January 16 - May 15, 2023
A 5-month distance learning (online) program
(Application period closed)
If you are interested in learning how to engage, support and offer spiritual encouragement to
people of other traditions, this program is for you.
people of other traditions, this program is for you.
This one-of-a-kind training program is for people in the caring professions: spiritual directors, educators, social workers, therapists, life coaches, chaplains, spiritual and secular community leaders, and more. Completion of the 5-month, online program results in a certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Competence. This will prepare you to engage, support and offer spiritual encouragement to seekers of various religious, spiritual and ethical traditions.
Our pedagogy focuses on the exploration of the world's religions and prominent spiritual movements through an interfaith/interspiritual lens, and the many ways spirituality is being experienced today, including the growing tide of Spiritual Independents. This approach helps us deepen our knowledge of how individuals 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. Students of the 5-month program also receive some instruction in Pure Presence®, SGTI's unique protocol for sacred listening. This course is facilitated by Dr. Janice Lundy.
Our pedagogy focuses on the exploration of the world's religions and prominent spiritual movements through an interfaith/interspiritual lens, and the many ways spirituality is being experienced today, including the growing tide of Spiritual Independents. This approach helps us deepen our knowledge of how individuals 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. Students of the 5-month program also receive some instruction in Pure Presence®, SGTI's unique protocol for sacred listening. This course is facilitated by Dr. Janice Lundy.
Program Structure:
As a cohort, we will grow and learn together in an online format (one learning module every two weeks) and engage with companions from numerous traditions in a variety of ways. Our instruction includes written, audio, video and "real time" interaction with one another via Zoom and a private weblog. Students create a final project based on their own needs with faculty input and approval to complete their training.
In this 5-month intensive, we go deep into our inner lives and learn with and from the voices in our texts, guest speakers, peer group, and seekers of the major traditions (and none). We learn how to root out any vestiges of religious privilege we might hold so we can be compassionately present to others, while remaining faithful to our own traditions.
In this 5-month intensive, we go deep into our inner lives and learn with and from the voices in our texts, guest speakers, peer group, and seekers of the major traditions (and none). We learn how to root out any vestiges of religious privilege we might hold so we can be compassionately present to others, while remaining faithful to our own traditions.
Upon completing the program requirements, a student will receive a certificate in "Interfaith/Interspiritual Competence" from the Spiritual Guidance Training Institute.
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"I am not the same person I was when I began the journey with SGTI and it continues to unfold daily. All the elements of the program wove together and opened me to new inner landscapes as I explored new faiths/traditions and cultures. Truly a life changing experience for me."
~ E. R. Psychotherapist & Spiritual Director, Texas, USA |
Program requirements:
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To receive the "Certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Competence" students must demonstrate completion and mastery of:
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Areas of Study and Mastery:
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Contact Us for an Application
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Testimonials
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"The camaraderie, vulnerability and depth of insight of my fellow course participants and our leaders over 5 months were a gift to me. Overall a precious shared experience." ~ Kathy Cave, Spiritual Director, Sydney, Australia |
"SGTI’s Interfaith/Interspiritual WisdomTraining was a major event in my life. The instructors have an uncanny ability to bring out the best in people and create a group process where we all brought out the best in each other. The structure of the program allows for deepening questions to arise through the readings, reflections and the relationships that are built with fellow cohort members."
~ L.G. Spiritual Director, Maryland, USA |
"Beloved Seeker", Sharon's final project.
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I thoroughly enjoyed diving in some depth into various religions with a diverse and collegial group of scholars from around the world. I learned a great deal from our sensitive and knowledgeable leaders, and from the materials we reviewed and discussed. I deeply appreciated the various perspectives brought to bear by each participant, and the compassion and sensitivity that everyone, staff and student alike, maintained as we explored our differences and similarities. I went through this course while also in training to teach Intentional Creativity® -a form of deep self exploration through painting. The processes complimented each other and I found much of our spiritual study informing my painting. I highly recommend "Interfaith and Interspiritual Wisdom Training.”
~ Sharon Handy, retired family physician, spiritual seeker, and artist. |
SGTI students are trained in our unique protocol for sacred listening, "Pure Presence®." Developed by Dr. Janice L. Lundy, this curriculum benefits caring professionals who desire to provide unconditional, non-judgmental, compassionate listening and presence to individuals from all walks of life and every spiritual persuasion. Students use the Pure Presence Workbook and Journal throughout their studies. Learn more about this aspect of our curriculum here.
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 credits 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 (GTF), an ecumenical, inter-religious institution, is celebrating its 55th year 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 .
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 .