Certificate Program
Spirituality encompasses our connection to something greater than ourselves, connected to God and the world around us. Contemplative spirituality means fully engaging with the world and making choices rooted in love, the pure gift of God and God’s presence. Spiritual formation is the Spirit-led process, not mastering skills, but about learning to consent to be mastered by the Spirit for the sake of ourselves and the world. And contemplation is described beautifully below.
“We are built for contemplation…Communion with God in the silence of the heart is a God-given capacity, like the rhododendron’s capacity to flower… (Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land)
For more than thirty years, The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary has offered courses leading to the Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Formation (CSF), a journey through which modern-day pilgrims may quench their spiritual thirst.
Through the Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Formation program, participants will delve into a broad understanding of the Christian spiritual tradition and various practices that have emerged from it, while also learning to value the insights of other wisdom traditions. Emphasis is placed on experiential learning, particularly contemplative spiritual practices. It is designed to renew and strengthen the spiritual lives of both clergy and laypersons, while also equipping them with the tools and practices that promote the spiritual growth of others. Participants will enjoy learning in a setting that encourages sharing, prayer, personal growth, and the application of learning to present-day life and ministry. Through this experience, participants will discover the relationship between spirituality and compassion, justice, and effective ministry.
The Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Formation program is designed to be completed in one to three years, depending on the participant’s concentration and the pace at which one takes the required courses. In addition to its general course of study, the CSF program offers two concentrations through which participants can deepen their spiritual formation in particular areas: Spirituality in the Second Half of Life concentration or the Contemplative Living concentration.
Introduction to Contemplative Spirituality: Centering Prayer as a Doorway
Introduction to Contemplative Spirituality outlines the ethos of all the Contemplative Spirituality Programs at The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary by exploring how contemplative practice heals our souls and opens us to God’s loving presence in the everyday. Participants will examine how human conditions hinder our connection to our true self and God through an immersive, practice-based experience of modern-day contemplative prayer, Centering Prayer, and other contemplative practices. Furthermore, an overview of contemplative prayers in different spiritual traditions will foster a respectful understanding of the wisdom found in other traditions.
Elective Courses
Courses in the certificate program combine the best of a classroom model (academic), workshop model (practical), retreat model (experiential), and community of practice (communal). Readings and reflection papers enhance the assimilation and integration of new material and learning.
Practicum
The practicum is an application of knowledge and skills in Christian spirituality learned through the program’s coursework. Participants conceive, design, and conduct a practical act of ministry under supervision. Projects may include forming a small group for prayer and study, leading a spiritual retreat, or developing a new mission. The practicum allows participants to reflect on their spiritual leadership and to share what they have learned with others in their worshiping congregation, in the workplace, or in ministries of outreach.
Contemplative Retreat
The Contemplative Retreat may be fulfilled in two ways. We offer Contemplative Retreats every year at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, AL, and at other locations. For those engaged in the online program, you may complete this as an independent study with the approval of the Director of Contemplative Spirituality Programs.
Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage, though not required, may be offered every two to three years. A pilgrimage provides an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned from the program and deepen your faith by visiting holy places for prayer, reflection, and meditation. People who have completed the certificate and those currently completing the certificate will have priority. Spouses are welcome to apply. All are considered pilgrims and must participate in all aspects of the journey.
Upon completion of the certificate requirements, participants are awarded a certificate indicating that all work has been completed faithfully and satisfactorily. To receive your certificate, please complete the online Request for Certificate found HERE.
We welcome a letter that evaluates and highlights the significance of this learning venture.
Program graduates may continue to take courses in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation program at a reduced rate and attend pilgrimages and overseas courses as space allows.
Graduates may be invited to serve and offer leadership within the program in various capacities. Contact the Spirituality Program office for more information.
Financial assistance is available on a course-by-course basis and is generally for no more than 50% of the program fees. Please request as early as possible, before submitting payment. Registration can still be completed by selecting “pay by check”, then making an aid request.
To make a request for financial assistance, complete the online Application for Financial Assistance HERE. You will be notified about your financial assistance application within a week.
