Unit 1: Introduction to the Art of Spiritual Direction

This unit introduces the ministry of spiritual direction in theory and in practice, and provides a context in which to test a sense of call to this ministry. The seminars include teaching on the history of the tradition, characteristics of the ministry, common misconceptions, issues of discernment, human experience of God, important psychological considerations, development of listening skills and growth in prayer and faith. There will be practical sessions on giving and receiving direction, and personal and peer supervision, as well as one non-residential weekend. Applicants should have some experience in receiving personal spiritual direction.

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Unit 2: The Art of Spiritual Direction

This unit extends the work done in the previous level. Teaching seminars cover stages of faith, sexuality, grief, anger and depression, patterns of prayer, theological issues, discernment, images of God, dreams and art work as ways of listening to God, the relevance of contextual issues, ethics and other practical matters. Practical work and supervision continue at a deeper level. There is also one non-residential weekend.

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Unit 3: The Art of Spiritual Direction

This unit extends over the full year. Teaching sessions include monthly Thursday mornings at WellSpring during the year, and two intensive weekends (one residential). Topics covered include the development of personal prayer, the art of supervision, theological and psychological issues, discernment, and a choice of electives.

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Unit 4: The Art of Spiritual Direction

This is a post-graduate year of personal and peer supervision and professional development seminars, and is an essential part of the program, although it is deliberately set within a post-graduate context. This provides generous support in the first year of ministry, aims to establish collegiality with peers and the wider community of WellSpring directors, and to establish ongoing personal and professional development. We encourage graduates to join one of the Australian Spiritual Direction Associations and thus become part of the wider community of Australian Directors.

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Course Coordinator: Peter Bentley

Peter will be working with an ecumenical formation team of teachers, supervisiors and psychologists who are experienced spiritual directors. Together they bring a creative and balanced approach to this ministry. Numbers are limited at all levels to allow maximum participation. Melbourne College of Divinity accreditation for these units is available to those doing post-graduate degrees in Ministry or Spiritual Direction.

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Applications for 2012 are now closed. Please note the following closing dates for 2013 applications:

Unit 1: 16 November 2012 (for 2013)

Unit 2: 30 November 2012 (for 2013)

Unit 3: 30 November 2012 (for 2013)