Each year in September, a new group of associate spiritual directors begins a three-semester journey of development at The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality. A part-time program (offered over three weekends each semester), it has for its purpose the preparing of spiritual directors for ministry in parish communities and religious congregations.

This program is available to laity, religious, and clergy of all faith traditions. It consists of lectures, required reading, ethics, and individual supervision.

Prerequisites for the program:

• Two years of ongoing spiritual direction on a one-to-one basis.
• BA degree or equivalent life experience.
• Sufficient knowledge in the areas of theology, scripture, psychology and the spiritual life.
• 30-day directed retreat or full-year 19th Annotation Retreat before or during the program.
• Evidence of growth potential including:
  • Intelligence and ability to articulate one’s own journey;
  • Simplicity and integrity/self-knowledge;
  • Willingness to be of service to others founded on a sense of being called to this ministry; and
  • Awareness of “movements of the spirits” within one’s self.
• Evidence of serious commitment to the program including:
  • Time/willingness to engage in study;
  • Ability/readiness to name one’s own experience, reflect on it and speak of it; and
  • Active participation in group and individual activities of the classes.