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Character

". . . O Lord, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand" (Isaiah 64:8)

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (II Peter 1:3-4).

A dictionary might tell you that a person's characteris the sum of the stable and distinctive qualities in his or her life which determine responses, regardless of circumstances. SPE affirms that our character as Christians - and as ministers - is deeply rooted in a Christ-defined identity that recognizes God's working in every area of our lives.

SPE desires to connect ministers with resources through which they can grow their connection to this working, and ultimately deepen their friendship with God. This is often experienced through the ministry of spiritual direction, either as directee or as one training to fulfill the call to become a director.

Personal Spiritual Direction

The underlying assumption of spiritual direction is that God acts in every area of our lives. The goal of spiritual direction is that those who enter into direction would grow closer to God and become more the persons God created us to be in Jesus Christ.  

Pastors, missionaries and chaplains interested in this avenue for growth may apply for a grant for up to $500 to be used in one calendar year to defray the cost of spiritual direction. Fees for receiving spiritual direction vary from free to up to $75 per session; $50 is typical. Receipts for services rendered in spiritual direction may be turned in quarterly; grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis.

North Park Theological Seminary Center for Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. A spiritual director intentionally sets aside the concerns of their own life to listen and attend to the experience of God in the life of another. The Center for Spiritual Direction will provide training to ready individuals to companion with others for this journey.

North Park Theological Seminary offers a certificate indicating completion of 15 semesters hours of credit spread over three summer intensives and two academic year practicums. Covenant pastors, missionaries, and chaplains who meet the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence eligibility requirements may qualify for grant funds to offset tuition costs.

If you are interested in applying for admission to the Center  please contact North Park Theological Seminary for the necessary application and reference forms. Admission decisions are made once per year; the certificat curriculum begins during the summer session with a week-long intensive course on campus at NPTS. Space is limited; we encourage you to apply as soon as you are able.

Please note that your application for admission is sent to North Park Theological Seminary, while a separate application must be filled out and sent to the Department of the Ordered Ministry/SPE for an SPE funding grant.  

• Click here to visit the NPTS Center for Spiritual Direction.  The application for the 2007 cohort, the NPTS statement on Spiritual Direction, and the course descriptions are all available at this website.
• Please email spe@covchurch.org for information about available SPE funding for attending the Center for Spiritual Direction.