Applying to the School of Spiritual Direction

Applying to attend the School of Spiritual Direction


IF:		your own spiritual journey has moved you from “recipe theology” and “formula living” into the mystery of dependence on the Holy Spirit,
IF:		you sense a longing to know God as your supreme treasure and joy,
IF:		you are drawn, not to fixing problems, but to the adventure of discerning the Spirit’s movement through both hardships and blessings toward spiritual formation, and
IF:		you feel a quiet compelling desire to join others, in the role of companion and guide, on their journey through life’s realities into the experience of Trinitarian life,
THEN:		I invite you to apply for one of the following Basic Course sessions:

2008 SSD Dates

April 18-25 (Fri.-Fri.) Still accepting applications
June 6-13 (Fri.-Fri.) Closed (still accepting back-up applications)
(Note: June Location—The Cove, Ashville, NC)
August 16-23(Sat.-Sat.)
October 3-10 (Fri.-Fri.)

General Information

Glen Eyrie Castle

The week begins with the evening meal the first day and ends with an optional 11:30am meal the last day. All sessions (unless noted) will be held at the Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs, otherwise The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC. Both The Glen and The Cove have arranged a remarkably reasonable rate for us which includes lodging, meals and snacks. Please note that all lodging must be onsite with no exceptions. The week is intense requiring your full focus from early morning until late evening.

The Cove Conference Center

The Glen: If you plan to fly in, the Colorado Springs airport is about 30 minutes away. Denver International Airport is 1 1/2 hours away. Transportation to and from either airport will be the responsibility of each student.

The Cove: If you plan to fly in, the Ashville airport is about 20 minutes away. Charlottle Internation Airport is about 2 ½ hours away. Transportation to and from either airport will be the responsibility of each student.

Class Size

Class size is limited to 30 students. Again, we urge you to apply as soon as possible to insure space is available in the week of your choice.

Qualifications for Application:

You must resonate with the four “IF’s” listed above.
You must be 30 years of age or older (no upper age limit).
You must read The Safest Place on Earth, Shattered Dreams, and The Pressure's Off and be in general sympathy with (defined as no clear opposition to) the point of view expressed in these books. Connecting is recommended reading, but not necessary. These four books reflect NewWay Ministries' philosophy.
You must be willing to meaningfully open yourself to the Spirit’s work in a week of intensive training.
You need NO PRIOR TRAINING in spiritual direction, discipling, counseling, therapy, or theology. However, those with such training are more than welcome. The training will, we believe, prove highly beneficial (and perhaps paradigm-changing) to those already involved in intensive personal conversations, whether as disciplers, therapists, counselors, pastors, small group leaders, or just good friends.
You must see yourself as desiring relational ministry at the level of soul care, and you must have reason to believe you are called to such a ministry, either at the lay, informal level or at a more professional level.

Procedure for Application (3 steps):

Write a letter (2-3 typed pages) answering three questions:

What makes you interested in a week of training in spiritual direction?
How has your own spiritual journey prepared you for guiding others into spiritual formation?
How do you think you might be able to use this training in your own community?

Include two letters (each no more than one page typed) from close friends and/or spiritual leaders who know you well and are willing to relate what it is about you that makes you suited for the work of spiritual direction. Each letter MUST include contact information (preferably an email address; if not available, then a mailing address and phone number). Please do not solicit letters from people who will be coming to the School with you.
Complete the application form, printing the application, and sending it with the above information.

2008 Cost of Training:


Tuition:	$ 840.00
Lodging:	$ 955.00	/ person double occupancy – includes all meals and snacks

Total:	$ 1795.00

A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional $293.00.
Airfare and ground transportation are arranged for and paid for by the student, to and from either property.

Payment

A non-refundable application deposit of $100.00 must accompany each application; deposit will be applied against tuition.

Once your application is approved, 50% of your balance must be received no later than three months prior to the beginning of the SSD week in which you are enrolled.

Total due three months before course begins: $850.00

Remainder of tuition and lodging will be due six weeks before your week of training begins.

Total due six weeks before course begins: $845.00

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation up to 40 days prior to the session you are scheduled to attend will result in a refund of tuition minus the non-refundable deposit ($740). If your space can be filled, lodging ($955) will be refunded at a later date.