Our Mission
To train spiritual guides and spiritually/religiously curious people by engaging in education, experiences, and relationships for practical, integrative, unitive living. We offer a professional certificate, pilgrimages, and workshops that encompass skills in both interfaith and interspiritual guidance.
Our Vision & Values
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To be a visionary organization that promotes the healing and transformation of people through spiritual guidance and friendship for a more just, peaceful, and loving world.
Our StoryFounded in 2017, the Institute is the heart-child of two seasoned teachers and spiritual director-supervisors who are dedicated to increasing interfaith education and compassionate presence across traditions. Drs. Jeanette Banashak and Janice Lundy believe that the gateway to personal and planetary peace and well-being occurs when a supportive learning environment can be created for any and all who are interested in exploring, questioning, and deepening their understanding of the many and mysterious ways that the Sacred (Holy Mystery, God, Divine, Universe, Truth, Love, Presence, Spirit) manifests in our lives.
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Why Interfaith & Interspiritual?
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In our global marketplace and communities of service, there is an ever-growing need to be open and welcoming to people of all spiritual traditions. It is vital that each of us learns more about who our neighbors are, what they value, and how they make meaning of their lives, so we can extend genuine spiritual friendship.
Taking this one step further, there is a growing need for "professionals," people who have a unique calling and desire to communicate effectively with individuals from varied religious, spiritual and ethical persuasions. And, in some cases, for them to have authentic knowledge of how to be non-judgmentally, compassionately present to someone in their sphere of influence who may live and believe differently from themselves. |
Utilizing our unique protocol for sacred listening "Pure Presence®"
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Training in spiritual guidance across traditions--interfaith--and being able to step into the mystery of the depths of individual spiritual experience--interspiritual--allows an individual to offer the deepest empathy and care to anyone with whom they interact--intercontemplative--allows an individual to offer deep empathy and care to anyone with whom they interact. This interfaith, interspiritual and intercontemplative approach to formal presence training is a comprehensive way to both deepen and advance spiritual understanding and care in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and religious communities.
Our Unique OfferingsOur purpose is the training of spiritual guides (directors) in the art and science of spiritual guidance across traditions. We provide a 16-month distance learning program with a residential institute in Chicago, Ilinois, resulting in a Certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Guidance. We also provide a 5-month distance learning program which results in a certificate in Interfaith/Interspiritual Wisdom Training.
Special interest programs are also part of our training, with opportunities to explore Spiritual Guidance among specific populations and groups: Men, Women, SBNR ("Spiritual Independents"), Millennials, LGBTQIA+, and more. Contemplative day, weekend, and weeklong retreats, as well as spiritual travel opportunities (pilgrimages) round out our offerings. |
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Who Are Our Participants/Graduates?
People just like you!
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We train individuals from many walks of life and vocations to be able to establish a private practice as a spiritual guide.
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We train ministry and care-giving professionals to expand and deepen their life call, to be present to people of a variety of traditions. This includes chaplains, pastors, and parish workers; teachers, nurses, health-care providers, hospice workers, social workers, therapists and volunteers.
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Anyone, who as His Holiness the Dalai Lama says, "wishes to work for the happiness of others."
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We hope you will consider joining us!
Now accepting applications for the Fall 2022 cohorts.
View our current offerings here.
Priorities, Practices and the SGTI Ethic of Care
As a priority and practice, we are committed to being an anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that continually strives to identify and dismantle inequity and unjust systems. We are committed to the process of interrogating and decolonizing our curriculum, policies, practices, and procedures and to the ongoing professional and personal development that supports and amplifies compassionate-sacred activism, respect, equity, and hospitality. (Read more)
The Spiritual Guidance Training Institute is a member of Spiritual Directors International and abides by its "Guidelines for Ethical Conduct" and "The 5 Principles of Spiritual Direction Training Programs."