Program Description

Pneuma is a two-year certificate program in spiritual direction and spiritual leadership. It offers educational and supervised training of pastors and laity in the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, spiritual direction, and spiritual leadership while engaging in Reformed, Catholic, and other diverse theological perspectives on growth in faith and the Christian life.

For nearly 500 years the Spiritual Exercises have offered people of faith a uniquely personal encounter with the Triune God rooted in Scripture. This graced experience of prayer fosters an awareness of God’s love and forgiveness, deepens Christian discipleship and cultivates a discerning way of life that leads to seeing the world through the eyes of the risen Christ. The Exercises provide both structure and flexibility for persons and groups to reflect upon, contemplate, and internalize the major themes of the Christian faith.

Graduates of the program will be prepared to guide persons, groups, parishes, and congregations to deepen their identity in Christ, grow in Christian discipleship, discern their unique gifts and call, and develop healthy communities so as to co-labor with Christ in his mission for the glory of God.

Read an article by Program Director Martha Robbins on "The Ministry of Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Revitalization of Congregations".