Spiritual Directors Formation Programme
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Spiritual Direction is a contemplative ministry of accompanying people on their journey with God.
Are you discerning a call to this ministry?
Perhaps some of the following statements resonate with you.
You are interested in helping others grow in their relationship with God;
You already have people approaching you to talk about their spiritual life;
You sense God’s invitation to consider this area of ministry;
You demonstrate in your own life and faith journey a commitment to spiritual growth and an awareness of the all-embracing love of God.
SGM's Spiritual Directors Formation Programme has been forming spiritual directors since 1988. Our two year, part-time programme offers comprehensive exploration of the theory and practice of spiritual direction, supervision for skill development, and significant opportunities for personal spiritual growth. Applicants come from all walks of life and Christian traditions and upon completion of the programme, practice the art of spiritual direction in a variety of settings.
Wairuatanga is a term in Te Reo Māori that expresses the two “waters” of the spiritual and the natural worlds and how they are present at all times in every aspect of life. This reflects the perspective of contemplative Christianity in which we pay attention to the “holy in the ordinary” and learn to respond appropriately to these divine moments or encounters. Wairuatanga is at the heart of spiritual direction and this formation programme.
The capacity to listen to the deep kōrero of others is both a gift and a learned skill. The Spiritual Directors Formation Programme hones that gift with a mix of self-directed learning modules and skill development workshops along with hands-on, real-time interaction doing the mahi of spiritual direction, supported by a supervisor.
Through this two-year journey you’ll learn the art of spiritual direction, be challenged and develop your skills in a supportive, courageous learning environment.
Not yet ready for the full programme? The one-year Foundation Pathway ensures you gain sufficient experience in spiritual direction and provides structured preparation for entry.
Programme Content
Our formational learning experience weaves the theory and practice of spiritual direction. One of the gifts of this programme is that is promotes the growth of the participant both as a person and as a spiritual director.
Theory
Eight learning modules weave reading, study and reflection guides and written assignments (2 essays of approx. 1000 words per module):
An introduction to spiritual direction.
The relationship between director and directee.
Discernment
Prayer
Spiritual growth and its stages
Psychological aspects of spiritual direction
Engaging culture
A special interest project (of up to 3000 - 3500 words)
Practice
Continuing to receive one’s own monthly spiritual direction.
Giving spiritual direction regularly to another throughout the programme.
Attending 20 individual supervision sessions spread over the two years, including presentation of verbatim and case studies.
Attendance at all 10 workshops held in two or three locations around the country determined by predominant locations of participants.
Attendance at the Kōhanga Ako (collaborative learning nest) July residential week in Year One.
Attendance at the second and final Kōhanga Ako residential week-end in November of Year Two.
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SDFP national co-ordinator, KaiwhakahaereFran did the SGM formation in 2007/8 after a Foundation year. She worked with people in personal spiritual direction, offered retreats, completed a Master’s in Ministry and continued in pastoral ministry with her husband, while working independently in her spiritual direction practice until 2016 when, to her surprise, she stepped into the national co-ordinator role of the SDFP. Collaborating with God in developing spiritual direction skills in others is fabulous, creative work and a great privilege which she enjoys enormously.
SDFP Programme Leaders
Fran Francis and David Crawley lead the SGM Spiritual Directors Formation Programme (SDFP). Fran Francis is the national co-ordinator, overseeing the two-year formation process assisted by a team of supervisors, workshop facilitators, and markers. David is the assistant co-ordinator and helps to look after participants on Year Two of the programme, including oversight of the Special Interest Projects.
Click the + sign next to their names below to read more about them.
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SDFP assistant co-ordinator
David has had a long involvement with SGM and spiritual direction and has worked alongside Fran as assistant co-oordinator since 2018, with particular responsibility for the Year 2 participants. He especially enjoys watching participants in the programme make the transition from trainees to spiritual direction colleagues. Until recently, David was a senior lecturer in spirituality and pastoral care at Laidlaw College. Now he devotes most of his time to spiritual direction, supervision, the Formation Programme and serving in Titirangi Anglican Church, where he and his wife Sarah are both in ordained ministry.
Selection Criteria for Entry into Formation Programme
Participants are normally mature people with a grasp of the spiritual life, Scripture and theology, who will have:
experience of receiving spiritual direction and making directed retreats;
a degree of wisdom based on life and faith experience;
some understanding of human developmental psychology;
some experience of being approached by others for help with their spiritual journey.
For some people a FOUNDATION YEAR will be suggested to enable adequate preparation before entry into the Formation Programme.
Pre or co-requisites for participation in the programme may include:
undertaking a counselling or skilled listening course;
gaining familiarity with personality type theory through a Myers-Briggs workshop and an Enneagram workshop;
taking a workshop in Christian Dreamwork;
attending a Treaty of Waitangi workshop (NZ participants);
attending a five-day silent, directed retreat.
Not quite ready?
The Foundation Pathway offers a year of preparation, discernment, and guidance —
your first step on the journey towards the SDFP.
What is the formation programme experience like?
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Vicki Roberts
Ngā Ruahine/Te Atiawa
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR IN FORMATION“I am loving the process! The 'apprenticeship' learning model is affirming, safe, yet challenging. The integrated format is ‘forming’ at every level – head, hands and soul. The readings lay a foundation for principles that undergird spiritual direction. This allows the ‘forming’ of one-on-one practice with a volunteer directee. The supervision process means it is informative, safe and practical. The practice of receiving your own spiritual direction alongside this process offers insights into practice and deep personal growth.”
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Alice Wood
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN, RETREAT FACILITATOR, WDFP WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
“For me the Spiritual Directors Formation Programme was interesting, challenging and formative. My deepest joy in this work is seeing God at work in others in the deep, private places within. Being a spiritual director requires me to practice a constant habit of a reflective contemplative stance. This is the gift for me.”
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Joshua Taylor
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, ANGLICAN PRIEST
“I found the program really enriching. It wasn't just about content, from early on there was a real sense of community, openness and a shared commitment to paying attention to what God was doing in our lives. I found the presenters to be passionate and knowledgable as well as practical in their approach. I grew in confidence in practicing spiritual direction but the programme was also formational for my own journey with God.”
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Beng Kuan Lim
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION, RETREAT FACILITATOR IN SINGAPORE
“I liked the programme length of two years. It gave time for a journey of discovery and allowed me to apply what I was learning at a manageable pace. I especially enjoyed the one week onsite intensive in New Zealand with my fellow course mates. I found the practice of trios under the supervision of experienced spiritual directors very helpful. I was pleasantly surprised at the power of spiritual direction again and again! I love listening and seeing what God is doing in the lives of directees and feel much joy as they are drawn closer to their Creator.”
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Donald Scott
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
“I found the programme to be a profound journey of spiritual formation; holistic, stretching, practical and deeply nourishing to my soul. It’s an invitation into a way of being, a way of seeing as taught and modelled by Jesus, and now a ministry fit for our contemporary climate of spiritual hunger. If you have a longing to deepen your own faith journey and broaden your kete of ministry capacity, then seriously consider applying!”
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Holly Walton
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, CHAPLAIN, RETREAT FACILITATOR
“This programme is so much more than just training as a Spiritual Director. It grows your whole way of ‘being with’ people. I only have a few directees for formal spiritual direction but my training informs my ministry as a chaplain with the elderly and as a retreat facilitator. This formation programme provided the practical/theoretical framework for practice and it also was deeply challenging at a personal spiritual level.”
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Andrew Saunders
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, COACH, LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT
“This was one of the best and most stretching courses I have ever done. It introduced me to wider aspects of the Christian faith and helped me develop new skills for connecting with others. It also came at a good time personally, a time of rebuilding confidence and relearning what faith and life is all about. I have added spiritual direction to my set of skills and have a growing number of directees. My greatest joy in this work is helping people connect with God, self and others.”
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Rachel Kitchens
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, VENN TEACHING FELLOW, SDFP WORKSHOP FACILITATOR,
“This is a challenging, contemplative, and beautifully presented programme, which gives space to process and 'practice' the 'way' of spiritual formation in a close knit setting. The programme has given me a cohesive framework that I return to again and again; it provides confidence and support when I feel stuck in my practice. I’m grateful for this ministry and love watching transformation taking place in front of me in ‘real time’.”
Questions to Explore
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Spiritual direction is a ministry that can bear fruit in a variety of ways. Some people grow a spiritual direction practice and some offer spiritual direction alongside, or within, other callings and vocations. Our programme forms participants as informed and competent spiritual directors who may minister formally or informally in settings such as parishes, schools, chaplaincies, retreat centres, prisons, workplaces, and community centres.
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‘Formation’ is a traditional word that describes a process of deep learning that goes beyond head knowledge. Participants are shaped and formed personally as well as professionally by the formation experience. While there is robust theory and practice underpinning the formation programme, this is not an academic qualification. Over two years of embodied learning participants become a person who is a spiritual director at heart, whether they practice formally as a spiritual director or bring this awareness and approach into other vocations.
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Please CLICK HERE to download the SDFP Programme and Fee Information PDF document. Please take note of other study expenses involved throughout the programme (see the last page).
Are finances a barrier to training as a spiritual director? The SGM Spiritual Directors Formation Procramme Year One Scholarship empowers us to resource someone to embark on the life-giving path of being formed as a spiritual director in Aotearoa, New Zealand. LEARN MORE -
This two-year programme is personally challenging and requires a significant commitment of time, resources and energy. It provides a supportive environment in which to explore one’s own faith, while gaining skills and confidence in companioning others on their spiritual journeys. We recommend allowing 15 hours per week for programme commitments. This is averaged out on the basis of the various aspects of the programme, both practical and academic.
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No. While there is robust theory and practice in the programme, this is not an academic qualification. The SDFP is primarily focused on forming spiritual directors in the contemplative art of spiritual direction. (See ‘what does formation mean?’ above). We encourage participants who complete our programme to become members of the Association of Christian Spiritual Directors - a professional body that provides a code of ethics, accountability, and professional development opportunities. ACSD membership is a way of demonstrating professionalism and credibility to those who seek out your services.
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Yes! We welcome overseas applicants. The part-time format and self-directed learning, online resources along with practical application and personal supervision with an SGM-trained and appointed supervisor ensures a good formation experience. If accepted, overseas applicants must be able to travel to Aotearoa New Zealand for a compulsory week of residential training in July of Year 1. Visas, travel arrangements etc are the responsibility of the applicant. These expenses are not included in the fees. CLICK HERE to apply for the programme.
How has your formation as a spiritual director borne fruit in your life?
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Vic Francis
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, VINEYARD PASTOR
“I'm now practising as a spiritual director on a part-time basis. As a pastor, too, it's helped me see people and their walk with God differently and to ask different (and better) questions. The programme takes you deep into your relationship with God to prepare you to help others go deep in their relationship with God. In this work, I’m grateful for the way God does the unexpected in people’s lives. It’s a privilege to be with people as they go through a challenging process and come out the other side.”
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Adrienne Thompson
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, SUPERVISOR, SDFP WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
“I did the formation programme in my mid 40s and it was really the start of a whole new life for me. I have now built up a spiritual direction and supervision practice that I find infinitely satisfying. I have led many retreats and love doing that. I have changed the way I preach and lead worship to something more contemplative and interactive. And all this is fuelled by the attention to personal growth and ongoing learning through reflection and spiritual companionship which is such a strong foundation of the programme.”
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Phoebe Mackay
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY LIFE COORDINATOR
“So far I have one directee, which is going well and I'm hoping for more as time goes on. The programme has also resourced me for my church leadership role equipping me with spiritual conversation skills and knowledge about prayer and spiritual growth. The programme was a beautiful time of formation, deepening my relationship with God and my own character growth. The focus on formation makes it a unique programme and well worth doing if God is inviting you to walk alongside others on their spiritual journeys.” -
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Audra Darshini
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, FORMATOR, RETREAT FACILITATOR IN MALAYSIA
“I was drawn to the programme because of my work journeying with people one on one. Little did I know that it would bring about a huge transformation in my own journey with the Lord. My formation made me appreciate contemplative life and affirmed my gift of hospitality towards others. This has helped me put my skills into practice through forming contemplative small groups, retreat work and involvement in a Spiritual Directors Formation Programme in Malaysia. My greatest joy as a spiritual director is in witnessing another's ‘aha moments’ and my own growth and interior freedom to be and become.”
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Vincent Maire
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, HOSPICE CHAPLAIN
“This programme was the most enriching and formative study I have ever undertaken. I even felt sad when it ended! I thought it very well structured, my tutors were amazing and I learnt stuff about my Christian faith that you don't really hear about at church. The contemplative emphasis fed my soul and fitted where I was on my journey at that time, and remains so today. I especially enjoyed the workshop days when we all met up together and became great friends over time. Best of all, SGM prepared me well for a career as a hospice chaplain."
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Rev Mel McKenzie
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY CHAPLAIN
“I found the dedicated programme of exploring contemplative practice was a tonic for my soul in the middle of my busy Mum and ministry life. It took what was somehow nascent and gave it words, company, metaphor and purpose. I still have just a few directees, but I draw on the learning of the formation programme daily in my work as a university chaplain. My deepest joy in spiritual direction is journeying with people over time as they come to know how loved they are by God. It takes my breath away!” -
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Lorraine LePine
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, RETREAT FACILITATOR
“I have been practicing as a spiritual director since 2019 and enjoy the ministry of journeying with people. I am always grateful for the way the Spirit leads spiritual direction conversations and invites us to listen to Him. The formation programme gave me many tools for this ministry. However I have also used many of the tools in running retreat days for women, in small group ministry, and in the practice of personal spiritual disciplines to enhance my own relationship with God.” -
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Christeen Mckay
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR, PSYCHOLOGIST
“It's been the beginning of a new way of being. It has opened me up to a variety of ways of praying, to finding the Divine in nature and the beauty that surrounds us. I have a deepened inner sense of peace and it seems a growing sense of compassion and sensitivity to life around me in whatever form. My experience of the formation programme was like stepping outside of a square box of being ‘a good Christian’ and into a freedom which invited me to bring my authentic self into the Presence of I Am”
“The person who realises that God gazes on her or him with love will begin to glow in their own unique way. We will gradually begin to realise that there is nothing to fear, and that life is made for sharing that love.”
POPE FRANCIS
Kenneth Fleck is a Dunedin-based spiritual director with a particular interest in companioning people who are deconstructing their faith, or on a spiritual journey outside of traditional faith structures. In this blogpost, Kathryn Overall has a conversation with Kenneth about his personal experience of deconstruction as “an act of love” and his insights for spiritual directors who are accompanying people on similar journeys.