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 and all who feel called to cultivate spiritual depth in their communities.
Eligibility: This program is currently available to participants from Episcopal dioceses that are members of the Iona Collaborative network. Not sure if your diocese is a member? Click here.
The Fall 2027 Cohort
Are you discerning whether the Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction is right for you?
Join us for one of two upcoming Q&A sessions — in October and November 2026 — to learn more about the 2027 cohort and ask any questions you may have. Register for either session at the links below:
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 Bivocational 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.
For more information on the application process, semester timeline, eligibility guidelines, program cost, and more, please review our Program Overview document.
A Three-Semester Sequence
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 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 bivocational 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.
Learn More
Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction
Program Overview
Download this .pdf for a program timeline and more.
What is Congregational Spiritual Direction Video
Rebecca Hall and the Iona Spiritual Directors discuss what Congregational Spiritual Direction is and how it can benefit congregations.
Full Version | 42 minutes
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.