The Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction, offered in partnership with Seminary of the Southwest, is a first-of-its-kind certificate program designed to prepare leaders for the ministry of spiritual direction for congregations. Rooted in seminary-level formation and accessible through Zoom-based learning, this program brings rigorous training to small-church leaders who feel called to cultivate spiritual depth in their communities.
This program is open to lay and ordained leaders in bi-vocational congregations or diocesan staff who work with small churches. Priority will be given to applicants from Iona Collaborative member dioceses.
Why This Program?
Small congregations are vital centers of faith across The Episcopal Church. Yet many are stretched thin — balancing liturgical excellence, community service, and institutional maintenance with dwindling time, energy, and resources.
The Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction offers training in spiritual leadership for groups and congregations. Building on the learnings of our Thriving in Bi-Vocational Congregations (TBVC) initiative, this program equips leaders to embed spiritual direction practices at the heart of congregational life. Participants will learn adaptable tools and practices that turn ordinary decision-making into opportunities for discernment, reflection, and renewal.
A Three-Semester Sequence
Foundations in Spiritual Direction (Zoom-Based, 2 Semesters)
Offered in conjunction with Seminary of the Southwest’s M.A. in Spiritual Direction, this sequence grounds students in the skills of deep listening, embodied hospitality, and the practical aspects of offering spiritual direction.
In-Person Intensive at Camp Allen (5 Days)
A hands-on workshop where students practice tools designed for adaptive, life-giving congregational discernment and spiritual reflection with churches.
Congregational Fieldwork Practicum (Zoom-Based, 1 Semester)
Real-world application in a church or diocesan setting, supported by supervision from a trained congregational spiritual director.
Assessment & Evaluation
Ongoing evaluation and feedback using our Congregational Spiritual Director Assessment Matrix to ensure ministry readiness.
What Makes This Program Unique
Rooted in Practice, Not Programs
Instead of adding another layer of “things to do,” students learn sustainable practices that nourish spiritual life and decision-making already happening in their congregations.
Accessible & Adaptive
With Zoom-based learning and local fieldwork, the program meets leaders where they are — while still offering an in-person intensive to deepen practice.
Proven in the Field
The Iona Collaborative, through our Thriving Congregations program, has already helped over 50 congregations make healthier, more life-giving decisions about clergy transitions, ministries, and mission.
Designed for Small-Church Reality
Recognizing the exhaustion many small congregations face, this program is crafted to be sustainable, not burdensome.
The Vision
We believe thriving bi-vocational congregations are sustained by shared spiritual practices, discerned ministry, and adaptive leadership. By training leaders as congregational spiritual directors, we are seeding a culture of resilience and renewal across the church — one that can meet rapidly changing contexts with faith, creativity, and hope.
Application Process. Be Part of the First Cohort!
- Attend a Q&A Session in October or November 2025 (Register Above)
- Applications Open February 2, 2026
- Attend Optional Office Hours with Iona Staff to Assist with Application Questions (Dates TBD)
- Applications Due March 12, 2026
- Applicant Interviews Scheduled for April, 2026 (After Easter)
- Applicants Will Be Notified on May 15, 2026
This program is offered in partnership with Iona Collaborative and Seminary of the Southwest.