Southern California Certificate Program in
Christian Formation and Spiritual Direction
TRAINING
Certificate Program
The goal of the Certificate Program in Christian Formation and Spiritual Direction is to help the student
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To mature into deeper intimacy and friendship with the Triune God
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To develop a theology of Christian spirituality by drawing on and integrating insights from Scripture, theology, historical traditions, psychology, and related fields
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To discover the richness of one’s own spiritual tradition and the gifts and blessings of other traditions
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To learn about, and engage in, spiritual habits and practices that facilitate spiritual growth
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To grow in balancing prayer, study, and service and in developing practical wisdom based on Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience
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To gain experience and skills in providing individual and group spiritual direction in a Christ-centered program and context
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To participate in a creative partnership among Christian spiritual directors in the Southern California Regional Networks of CFDM.
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Certificate Program Events and Dates
Year One [Focus on Christian formation and introduction to the art/skills of spiritual direction]
Classes will be held at Little Church by the Sea, Laguna.
2025 Meeting Dates:​
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January 21–24
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April 8–11
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August 19–22
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November 4–7
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(Retreat dates and Quiet Days to be announced and optional participation sponsored through CFDM)
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Year Two dates will be announced later.
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By arrangement Monthly retreat Days
By arrangement Monthly individual meetings with a spiritual director
Year Two [For those continuing, focused now entirely on practical training in spiritual direction]
DATES TBD Two three & half-day training events, including a 2-day retreat
By arrangement Regular meetings with one’s spiritual director
TBD Monthly supervision for the direction given
By arrangement Participation in a network of spiritual directors
Tuition
Tuition for the two-year program is $5,000. In the first year [$3,000], tuition covers 14 days of instruction and practicum in a church setting, refreshments/snacks, continental breakfast, and noon meals, faculty resources, one overnight in a retreat setting, administrative costs, reprints, and other materials. In the second year [$2,000], tuition covers 6 days of instruction and supervision and one overnight in a retreat center with food and overnight lodging included, faculty resources, administrative costs, reprints, and other materials, and supervision in monthly group meetings for ongoing evaluation and training. Not included are personal overnight accommodations for the first year for class meetings and other meals, if needed, fees for individual spiritual direction, and monthly personal quiet days. A $500 non-refundable fee towards tuition is due at the time of admission to the program [to reserve a place—space is limited] and tuition for the Program is due in advance on a yearly, term, or quarterly basis, or by arrangement.
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Admission Requirements
Admission is open to individuals [lay or clergy] from any Christian denomination or group who have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and/or have training or demonstrable knowledge of Scripture and theology. Life experience is highly valued as is awareness of a potential call to be a spiritual director. Admission to the program is granted when the following steps have been completed:
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A completed application… Earlier application is encouraged because the size of a class is limited and may be closed early. $75 application processing fee non-refundable
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A statement detailing educational background, work experience, Christian journey, involvement in church and Christian service, and interest in the program and in being a spiritual director.
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Two letters of reference [one pastoral and one personal]
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An interview (phone or in person) with one of the Program Faculty/Staff
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For more information contact:
Rev. Dr. Care Crawford
310-844-8063
carecrawford.cfdm@gmail.com
Supervision Training: A Call to Accompany Spiritual Directors
An On-Line Training Cohort
Various Dates in 2025: January 13 (Full-day Orientation); February 3–6; March 26: Half-day; April 28: Half-day; May 19–22
“To listen is to lean in, softly, with a willingness to be changed by what we hear.” - M. Nepo
We invite you to apply for a training program to become a Supervisor of Spiritual Directors. This intensive training is designed to challenge and enhance your own spiritual direction ministry while preparing you to supervise others in theirs. Our goal is to equip you with the skills needed to guide spiritual directors as they support directees, fostering self-awareness, accountability, and confidence through a contemplative, evocative approach. Throughout the program, you'll connect with fellow spiritual directors, deepen your personal formation, and refine your direction skills in this advanced training.
To apply, please complete the application at the link below. Once your application is submitted and accepted, you'll receive further instructions regarding tuition payment.
Please note that a non-refundable processing/application fee of $75 is required (Zelle payment preferred: cfdmsoutherncalifornia@gmail.com). Kindly include this fee when submitting your application via email.
To finalize your application, download the form HERE, fill it out, and email the completed copy to:
Rev. Dr. Care Crawford at carecrawford.cfdm@gmail.com
To apply, complete the Application and Recommendation forms below
(click on the form and save it to your computer before filling it out. Re-save and email to carecrawford.cfdm@gmail.com)