Spiritual Direction Training & Certification
Rooted in Scripture | Ancient in practice | Immersed in The Presence
TrinitasSpiritual Direction Certification Course
Trinitas is a two-year training program for men and women who desire to cultivate habitations that host the Presence of God in their spheres of influence and guide others to do the same. Over two years of training in cohorts, participants will be prepared to hear, recognize, and respond to the voice of Jesus as counselors, pastors, small group leaders, or spiritual directors. Students will also be prepared to embody and skillfully minister the Gospel of the Kingdom through healing and deliverance - bringing heaven and earth together in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our training is designed to develop practitioners who are:
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| Rooted in Scripture |
Faithful to the authority of Holy Scripture we equip our practitioners to approach the Bible for transformation: The written word reveals the Living Word and the Living Word illuminates the written word.
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| Ancient in Practice |
Faithful to the “Great Tradition” of the church, we equip directors to install, and help others integrate into their lives, the time-tested practices of Christian formation in a way that fits any season of life.
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| Immersed in the Presence |
We have nothing if we don’t host the Presence of God as we are present with others in spiritual companionship - this means that we engage a posture of expectancy for Holy Spirit to lead us into the truth that sets us free.
The Trinitas Experience
involves teaching & experiential learning over a two-year period with the same cohort and includes:
Four Retreat Residencies of three nights each, offering presentations, individual spiritual direction, time for silent prayer and reflection, and daily rhythms of communal worship.
Bi-weekly (the first year) virtual group spiritual direction led by Trinitas Directors
Monthly virtual group supervision led by Trinitas Directors
Reading, writing, and practice assignments in preparation for each Residency—not lengthy, but designed to deepen our prayerful reflection, conversation, and practice
INSIDE TRINITAS
The Gospel of the Kingdom
Formation, apprenticeship to Jesus, & direction Restoration of the imago dei (image of God) Knowing your story & why it matters Growing awareness of self & others
Holy Listening & Discernment
Awareness of God & enjoying the Trinity Engaging the holy imagination Going beneath the surface Befriending the Holy Spirit & flowing in his gifts
Seasons of the Soul
Ignatian Spirituality The dark night of the soul Christian saints, monastics, & mystics The Song of Songs
Rhythms & Practices
Praying the hours, daily examen Silence, solitude, & contemplative prayer Lexio & Visio Divina Fasting & sabbath delight
Encounter through the Seasons of Life
Singleness, marriage, parenting Death & dying well Mindsets: journey vs. destination Suffering & faith
Whole Person & Wholistic Encounter
The body, mental health, emotional maturity Exorcism, deliverance, memory healing Biblical anthropology Pastoral theology & hosting the Presence
UNDERSTANDING THE APPLICATION PROCESS
We believe Trinitas is a truly unique program because it intentionally integrates the best of the three streams of historic Christianity: evangelical, catholic, and charismatic to give you a full-bodied, joyful, experience of the Triune God.
We are eager to share the details with you as you prayerfully consider joining us!
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Integral to your formation as a Spiritual Director with us is your formation through Encounter Culture Mission Collaborative (ECMC). We require that you have participated in the ECMC intensives and cohorts below (not in any order). If you have not completed these at the time of your you application, we anticipate that you will complete them within the first six months of your Trinitas experience:
EncounterGod Weekend
EncounterLife Cohort
EncounterEquip (Pray Ministry Training)
EncounterGod Weekend Apprenticeship (as a prayer minister)
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2026-2028 Cohort
Applications open September 1, 2025
The Trinitas Cohort begins June 2026
Residencies: (Located in beautiful New England)
Year 1:
Wednesday, June 10 - Saturday, June 13, 2026
Wednesday, January 13 - Saturday January 16, 2027Year 2:
Wednesday, June 9- Saturday, June 12, 2027 Wednesday, January - Saturday, January 2028Commissioning Worship Service | June 2028
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$50 application fee (non-refundable, due with online application)
$490 deposit, (non-refundable, due upon acceptance)
$4,900 tuition (covers all program costs, Residency retreat room & board, 2-year Supervision oversight and group direction (does not cover travel or books).
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Tuition may be paid in full one month before the first Residency retreat, or in monthly payments.
(Note: monthly payments will be automatically charged via ACH or to a major credit card starting one month before the first Residency retreat and incur a small processing fee).
Note: Students are responsible for their own book purchases and travel arrangements
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Lay applicants are encouraged to explore having their churches sponsor them as Spiritual Directors in training who can offer pastoral support and leadership in their congregations.
Download an example letter here
For pastors, this can look like "Continuing Education.” Pastors and other ministry leaders are encouraged to present a scholarship request to their governing boards or consider funding a line item in their annual budget to help offset the cost of the training and invest in the spiritual vitality of their leaders. Download an example letter here
Students will be accepted on a first come, first served basis; if you are interested please apply at your earliest convenience. Should you have any questions please reply to this email and someone will be in touch with you within 72 hours.
We are excited to explore with you!
MEET YOUR DIRECTORS
Amy Howard, MDiv
Paula Schrad, MA, LCPC