Become a Spiritual Director
The Compass Institute Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a nine-month journey for those called to companion others toward a deeper life with God. It includes everything you'd expect from a serious program: curriculum, assignments, guided discussions, and practical experience. But it offers something more: a formation in a way of being, not just a way of doing. As you walk alongside others, you will learn to pause, listen, and discern together what God is already doing in and around you.
Throughout the nine months, you will explore two core areas: the theology, history, and practices of contemplative spiritual formation accessed through readings, exercises, cohort dialogue, and a retreat residency and the practice of spiritual direction itself through group experiences at our retreat and by stepping into the practice with others, supported by monthly cohort conversations and direct access to Gene throughout the journey.
A note about the Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Gene Maynard
As I've developed this program, I've found myself returning to one question: is there a spiritual director within you, waiting to step into this holy ministry?
The Compass Institute's approach to spiritual direction is rooted in the contemplative stream of Christian spirituality, not generic spirituality, not Eastern contemplation borrowed and repackaged, but the ancient practices carried by the church across centuries and embodied most fully in Jesus himself. As you engage with this practice, you'll discover it isn't primarily about mastering skills. It's about offering a gift, the gift of contemplative presence and deep listening to souls hungry for a deeper life with God.
We believe some are uniquely called to nurture this kind of attentiveness within their communities. The Compass Institute exists to help you discover and grow in that calling.
What sets this program apart is not a feature list but a philosophy.
Most spiritual direction training programs operate at the level of skill acquisition. This one operates at the level of formation. Everything here, the curriculum, the cohort, the retreat, the directed practice, is designed not just to teach you what spiritual directors do, but to form you into someone who can do it sustainably and well.
The program is explicitly rooted in Christian contemplative spirituality, the ancient practices of the church, not generic or borrowed frameworks. It integrates attention to emotional and interior health alongside theological depth, because you cannot companion others into wholeness from a place of depletion. And it includes formation in rhythms and rules of life that protect against the burnout that quietly empties so many in ministry.
It is also priced to be genuinely accessible because this kind of formation shouldn't be available only to those who can afford a seminary tuition.
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
Rest for tired spiritual leaders.
Tired? Life in ministry can be exhausting for you, your spouse, and your family. Get away to Stillpoint, an Oasis Rest quiet place for rest, encouragement, and hospitality in one of the top natural quiet places in the U. S.
