We are delighted that you are applying for the Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction through the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest. Please make note of the important deadlines and documents for your application on this checklist.
Important Dates
- February 1, 2027
- April 2, 2027
- Week of April 26
- May 14, 2026
Applications Open
Applications Due
Interviews by Appointment
Applicants Notified
Who Is Eligible To Apply and Who Will Get Priority?
Priests, deacons, lay leaders, and diocesan canons who work with congregations are all eligible to apply for this certificate program. This program is ultimately intended to help congregations thrive and grow in spiritual vitality. Strong applicants will demonstrate that they are embedded or work directly with bivocational congregations.
- Is the applicant from an Episcopal diocese within the Iona Collaborative network*?
- Is the applicant embedded in a bivocational church? Or do they work with bivocational churches?
- Can the applicant demonstrate that the church or the diocese will allow them to function as a spiritual director for congregations after graduation? We recognize that every ministry setting is different. In most cases, support is demonstrated through a letter from your priest, vestry, or diocesan leadership, as appropriate to your circumstances.
*Note: If program slots are not filled with bivocational applicants from Iona network dioceses, all other applications will be considered.
Cost
This program is generously supported, in part, by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. The full cost of participation is $2500.00. Full and partial scholarships are available. Additional information regarding program costs, scholarships, and financial assistance will be shared during the Q&A session.
Application and Supporting Documents Due April 2, 2027
All supporting documents should be emailed to Katherine Buzzini.
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Resume or CV (emailed)
- 2-page Spiritual Autobiography (emailed)
PROMPT: In no more than 2 pages, please describe who you are spiritually. How does your religious and personal background contribute to who you are today? How has your spiritual journey thus far led you to want to be a congregational spiritual director?
- Letter of Recommendation (emailed)
- Please provide a letter of recommendation from your vestry, rector, bishop, or diocesan staff supervisor. This letter does not have to be a commitment to be your Practicum site from that church. This letter should be a letter of support for your continuing education in this ministry.
- Lay Leaders: This letter can come from the rector or a priest in charge, or the vestry.
- Rectors: Your letter can come from the vestry or Sr. Warden.
- Deacons or other clergy: Your letter can come from the rector or vestry.
- If you work for a diocese and hope to practice congregational spiritual direction as part of your paid work, your letter can come from either your bishop or the supervisor for your work with congregations.
- Please provide a letter of recommendation from your vestry, rector, bishop, or diocesan staff supervisor. This letter does not have to be a commitment to be your Practicum site from that church. This letter should be a letter of support for your continuing education in this ministry.
Please Note: You will be asked to finalize your Practicum site during Foundations 1 in Fall 2027. We understand that churches will need clear information about what is expected from a Practicum site before they can commit.
