Premium Distance Learning with Residential Institutes
Interfaith/Interspiritual Spiritual Guidance Training & Certificate Program
August 2020 - January 2022
An 18-month distance learning program
with 2, 1-week, onsite, residential intensives.
Contact us for an application.
An 18-month distance learning program
with 2, 1-week, onsite, residential intensives.
Contact us for an application.
Covid-19 Update: The new cohort beginning August 27, 2020 will begin on time as SGTI is primarily an internet-based program. If the presence of Covid-19 makes the first Chicago Residential Institute unlikely, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible, but online learning will begin anyway. We are currently accepting applications and filling the cohort. Please apply early.
Our Leading Edge Training Model
|
Our certification program for interfaith/interspiritual guidance will teach you the art and practice of spiritual guidance/direction and prepare you to establish a private, client-based practice or work/serve within an organization of your choosing.
Our pedagogy focuses on the inner development of the spiritual seeker and guide, 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 18-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 "Pure Presence"® protocol for sacred 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.
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." |
|
Program Structure
Our curriculum begins with the first residential institute in Chicago, August 27-Sept. 2, 2020. During the first week, we launch our discussions on interfaith and interspiritual guidance and are introduced to our model of non-judgmental, compassionate listening, "Pure Presence"®. We participate in contemplative practices from various traditions to deepen our self-awareness. We take field trips to sacred sites ("holy houses" around the city and engage with seekers from numerous traditions in this Interfaith Immersion experience.
We continue to learn and grow together in an online format (one learning module every two weeks) and by doing spiritual guidance in our own cities from September 2020 through March, 2021. We go deeper into our inner lives and learn with and from the voices in our texts, guest speakers, peer groups, and directees. Our instruction includes written, audio, video and "real time" interaction with one another. Each participant also receives private mentoring one-hour per month (via Skype or telephone) from a lead teacher to ensure success in the program.
Our second residential institute in Chicago (March 2021, dates to be announced) is be a continuation of our central themes and relevant topics. We take field trips to new sacred sites, continue to deepen our practice of "Pure Presence"®, and participate in spiritual practices in community.
From April, 2021 – January, 2022 we resume our online modules, the practice of spiritual guidance, peer groups, and one-on-one mentoring. Our concluding module in January represents a celebration of our work and dedication to our practice.
Course Requirements
|
To be certified as an Interfaith/Interspiritual Guide students must demonstrate completion
and mastery of: • 2, Residential lnstitutes (6 days each) in Chicago, IL, USA • 30 learning modules (2 per month) • 14 Peer group sessions via Zoom • 10 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 approved 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
|
|
SGTI students are trained in our unique protocol for sacred listening, "Pure Presence®." Developed by Dr. Janice L. Lundy, this curriculum benefits spiritual care 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 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 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 .