Spiritual Conversation Training
Edinburgh 2019-20
Information available in Spring 2019
For whom is the course intended?
There is increasing interest in the spiritual journey and how it relates to living faithfully in today’s world. This speaks of a need for people skilled in spiritual conversation, living out this ministry in a variety of ways. This course builds on the foundation course Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living and is a training programme for accompanying others on their inner journey, alongside continuing self-development. For some, this course may lead on to training in spiritual direction.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have completed Growth in Prayer and Reflective Living or a comparable course. Consideration may be given to applicants with equivalent experience which includes knowledge of different ways of praying and basic Ignatian discernment. Applicants are required to be receiving regular spiritual direction and preferably have experience of an individually guided retreat.
Practice in spiritual conversation
Participants are expected to be accompanying others in their spiritual journey, so as to be able to apply course learning, and to reflect about this experience in small groups and with their tutor. On a practical level this means meeting for spiritual conversation with 2 people on a regular basis during the course.
Course content
Module 1 Introduction: Listening Skills
Module 2 Personal Prayer – Ways of Praying
Module 3 Discernment according to St Ignatius
Module 4 Spiritual Conversation
Method
The programme is experience-based and uses small groups, role plays, case studies, personal reflection, input and discussion as methods of learning.
There is one written assignment for each module.
Attendance
Participants are expected to attend all sessions and in particular must be free to attend the opening weekend. If a session is missed, due to illness or unforeseen events, you are expected to cover the teaching and material missed by meeting with at least one other participant. If more than four sessions are missed in the year participants are deemed not to have completed the course.
Spiritual Direction
Participants are expected to be receiving regular spiritual direction, and to have this in place before the course begins. We may be able to help you find a spiritual director if necessary.
Applications for next year – information available in Spring 2019
Fees:
TBC A registration fee of £50, deductible from the total cost, is payable when an applicant is accepted. The balance may be paid in instalments.
In the case of financial difficulty, applicants are encouraged to seek funding from other sources for which we can supply a letter of support;several previous applicants have been part-funded by their church communities. Limited bursary assistance may be available from the Epiphany Group.
Epiphany Group Bursary Form (PDF)