Participants are saying:
“The Metagem program had a profound spiritual impact on my spiritual life and practices. One of the great blessings has been the community of supportive friends I made in the program who continue to enrich my life.” —J.M. (2017-2019 Cohort)
“My experience in the Spiritual Direction program at Metagem Institute provided me with a strong foundation in spiritual direction. Faculty were knowledgeable, accessible, and well versed in their presentations. The setting at Camp McDowall provided an environment in nature that enabled all there to readily experience Christ everywhere. Friends made while attending the program became very dear and will remain so for years to come.” —K.W.S. (2018-2020 Cohort)
“Participation in the Spiritual Direction program broadened my knowledge base and strengthened my faith. What I learned and experienced during my time in the program has been beneficial personally, professionally, and spiritually. Not to mention, I made friends I will have for a lifetime.” —B.R. (2018-2020 Cohort)
Read more about what participants are saying here.
2023-2025 Cohort and 2022-2024 Cohort with Faculty
What: A two-year certification program for the formation of spiritual directors in the Christian tradition and for our time.
Who: Those who have experienced the transformational power of soul-caring conversations are invited to apply.
This program is open to laity and clergy.
When: 2024-2026 Cohort starts coursework in March 2024 with the first intensive May 2024 and program completion in Feb 2026.
Where:
- Unit preparation online through a Learning Management System
- 5 in-person intensives in various locations in Alabama or Tennessee
- 1 online Zoom intensive
Spiritual Direction is a spiritual practice involving an intentional relationship for the purpose of cultivating greater depths of relationship with God, other people, all of creation, and the self.
The Holy Spirit is the Director.
The spiritual director offers attentiveness, holy listening, and guidance to another in order to strengthen and enliven the directee’s spiritual life, which enables:
- Increased awareness of God’s presence
- Greater responsiveness to God’s call
- Transformation in intimacy with God
- Growth in our risen life in Christ.
Two-Year Spiritual Direction Formation Program:
This two year certification program for the formation of Spiritual Directors in the Christian tradition and for our time includes six intensives, evaluated assignments to facilitate distance learning, and regularly recurring peer group check-ins via Zoom or similar.
Each 2.5 day intensive starts Thursday morning and concludes mid-day Saturday. The six required intensive are:
- May 16-18, 2024: Integrative Practices Part I (St. John’s Episcopal Church Decatur, Alabama)
- Oct 17-19, 2024: The Practice of Spiritual Direction Part I (Online Zoom Intensive)
- Feb 2025: Sacred Story (Birmingham, AL)
- May 2025: Integrative Practices Part II (Alabama or Tennessee Location)
- Oct 2025: The Practice of Spiritual Direction Part II (Alabama or Tennessee Location)
- Feb 2026: Co-Creativity with God (Birmingham, AL)
Locations of intensives will vary. Website is updated as Alabama/Tennessee locations are confirmed.
In addition to the intensive themes listed above, the formation program will include the threaded topics of Dreamwork, Rule of Life, Mindfulness, Contemplation, Integral Theory, and Know Thyself.
The spiritual lineage of Metagem Institute’s programs are listed here.
Certificate:
Upon completion of the requirements of this program a certificate of completion will be awarded. The certificate will attest to the recipient’s:
- practice of the ministry of spiritual direction, and
- completion of the formation and training program to develop the gifts and artistry of spiritual direction.
Registration Fee: A registration fee of $250 is due March 15, 2024.
Tuition: Tuition covers the intensive programs, intensive lunches, faculty mentoring, assignment feedback, and online coursework.
The six tuition payments of $500 are due on the following dates: April 15, 2024, Sept 15, 2024, Jan 15, 2025, April 15, 2025, Sept 15, 2025, and Jan 15, 2026.
Additional Costs to Participants (not included in fees and tuition):
- Books, videos, inventory instruments, internet access, etc.
- Travel, room, and board
**** To request an application be sent to your email address, please fill out the Application Request Form.
For more information: Contact us via email or call 256-714-8837.
To be included in the 2024-2026 Cohort
your completed application must be received by Feb 28.
If you are accepted into the program, registration fee payment is due March 15.
—- early applications will be considered for early admission —-
Click here for descriptions of the 2021-2023 Cohort Final Projects
Click here for descriptions of the 2020-2022 Cohort Final Projects
Click here for descriptions of the 2019-2021 Cohort Final Projects
Click here for descriptions of the 2018-2020 Cohort Final Projects
Click here for descriptions of the 2017-2019 Cohort Final Projects
Click here for descriptions of the 2016-2018 Cohort Final Projects
In the news:
“Thirteen to Graduate from Metagem Spiritual Direction Program”
“Metagem Institute Launches New Spiritual Direction Certification Program”