Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction
Applications for the Fall 2027 cohort open February 2, 2027.
Congregational spiritual direction helps a church listen to its shared life and discern where God is at work.
The Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction prepares lay and ordained leaders to guide congregations in listening, reflection, and discernment through online study, an in-person intensive, and supervised fieldwork.
Attend a Q&A session in October or November to learn about the certificate and the application process.
You must attend a Q&A session to apply.
Who Can Apply?
Priests, deacons, lay leaders, diocesan canons, and others who work with congregations are welcome to apply, including people outside The Episcopal Church.
Priority will be given to applicants from Iona Collaborative member dioceses who are embedded in or who work directly with bivocational congregations. Applications should also be able to show that a congregation or diocese will support them in serving as a congregational spiritual director after completing the certificate.
Applicants from other dioceses and denominations are encouraged to apply. Iona member dioceses receive preference in the application process. If places remain after we consider priority applicants, we will review the remaining applications.
Individuals who are trained spiritual directors may participate in upcoming Continuing Education opportunities through the Iona Collaborative. Email Aneya Elbert to receive updates and information.
Cost and Scholarships
The cost of this program is $1500. Full and partial scholarships are available.
Applicants from Iona Member Dioceses: You will receive full scholarships.
Click here to determine if your diocese is a member.
Applicants from non-Iona member dioceses or other denominations: You will be eligible for a $1000 scholarship.
Full scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis.
What the Program Involves
- Two semesters of seminary-level study on Zoom: weekly 90-minute classes
- Mondays at 5:45 pm CT
- Beginning in August 2027 and continuing in January 2028
- A three-day in-person intensive at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX, in June 2028
- A semester of supervised fieldwork
- Beginning in August 2028
- Includes Zoom practicum sessions for reflection and support
Next Steps
Attend a required Q&A session in October or November to learn about the certificate and the application process.
You must attend a Q&A session to apply.
A recording of a Q&A will be posted here after November 5.
Learn More
Download the Program Overview
Find the full program timeline, course expectations, cost, and application details by clicking the image above.
Watch: What is Congregational Spiritual Direction?
Rebecca Hall and the Iona Spiritual Directors explain the practice and share how it can serve congregations.
42-minute video
For questions regarding the Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction program,
please contact Aneya Elbert, Program Manager.
This program is offered in partnership with Iona Collaborative and Seminary of the Southwest.
Foundations in Spiritual Direction (Zoom-Based, 2 Semesters)
These courses ground students in the skills of deep listening, embodied hospitality, and the practical aspects of offering spiritual direction.
Participants can expect:
- a weekly 90-minute Zoom session
- about 3 hours of prep work each week for class
- written assignments
Summer Intensive at Camp Allen (In-person, 4 Days)
A hands-on workshop where students practice tools designed for adaptive, life-giving congregational discernment and spiritual reflection with churches.
- 4 days, in person at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX
- Teaching focuses on the Iona Collaborative Spiritual Toolkit
- Led by Iona Collaborative staff and spiritual direction team
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.
- Start work with a church, in person
- Meet weekly for 1-hr Zoom sessions with Iona peers for supervision and coaching
- Supervised by Iona Collaborative’s spiritual direction team
Assessment & Evaluation
Ongoing evaluation and feedback using our Congregational Spiritual Director Assessment Matrix to ensure ministry readiness.
What Makes This Program Different
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.