Become a Spiritual Director
The Compass Center Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a nine-month journey for those called to become spiritual directors. While it includes all the essential elements of a program—curriculum, assignments, guided discussions, and practical experiences—it offers much more. It is a soulful way of life, discovered along the way, that invites deeper communion with the Living God. As you walk alongside others seeking a richer relationship with God, you will pause, listen, and learn together to discern what God is doing in and around you.
Throughout this nine-month journey, you will explore two core areas: the theology, history, and practices of contemplative spiritual formation—through readings, exercises, guided cohort dialogue, and a retreat residency—and the practice of spiritual direction itself—through group experiences at our retreat and by offering spiritual direction, with reflection, under the guidance of a Compass Center leader.
A note about the Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Gene Maynard
As I’ve developed this program in spiritual direction, I’ve found myself wondering if there’s a spiritual director within you, waiting to step into this holy ministry—offering your community the gift of contemplative presence and deep listening to those seeking a richer life with Jesus.
The Compass Center's approach to spiritual direction is rooted in the contemplative stream of Christian spirituality. As you engage with this practice, you’ll find that it’s not simply about mastering skills but offering a gift to hungry souls seeking a deeper relationship with God. We believe that some are uniquely called by God to nurture this deep contemplative attentiveness and companionship within their communities. Our mission is to help you discover and grow in this calling, offering support as you share it with others.
This is why The Compass Center exists: to offer space, resources, community, and encouragement as you learn to pay attention to God’s presence and what He is doing in our lives.
Gene Maynard
It is deeply embedded in the theology and practices of Christian contemplative spirituality.
It integrates soul care and emotional/mental health, a newer and highly relevant focus.
The program’s inclusion of rules of life and self-care strategies offers students practical tools to prevent burnout in both personal and professional spheres.
This holistic approach, blending robust theology with a focus on spiritual and emotional health sets The Compass Center apart as a comprehensive and innovative choice in the field.
A transformative training program drawing on Christian contemplative spirituality that will empower you to become a certified spiritual director. This isn’t just about learning a skill; it’s about experiencing profound spiritual formation and discovering how to walk alongside others as they deepen their relationship with God. If you’re eager to take your spiritual growth to the next level and help others on their journey, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Many of us hunger for richer intimacy with Jesus, but busyness, spiritual dryness, and unresolved pains can leave us feeling stuck. If you’re seeking a way forward, here's a solution: an intentional spiritual formation retreat. During this retreat, you'll learn with other hungry souls how to slow down, engage deeply with Christ's presence, pray in solitude and silence, and explore new practices for growing spiritually.
Stuck? Unsure about the path forward? Want help in discerning the voice and leadership of God? Personal and group spiritual direction is available.
Guidance in spiritual growth for individuals and groups and resources to help organizational leaders create cultures and climates that support spiritual growth
Perfect for retreats, conferences, classes as you learn together in your own environment how to grow spiritually
Coming soon: Self-paced learning about personal spiritual formation and the formation of healthy communities capable of supporting spiritual growth
Coming soon: Rest for tired spiritual leaders.
Tired? Life in ministry can be exhausting for you, your spouse, and your family. Get away to a quiet place for rest, encouragement, and hospitality in one of the top natural quiet places in the U. S.