Preparation for Spiritual Service to people of all faiths & paths
▪ World Religions & Theologies ▪ Vocational Discernment
▪ Spiritual Care to People in Crisis ▪ Spiritual Psychology
▪ Interfaith Worship & Ceremony ▪ Creative Arts Spirituality
This certificate program prepares individuals to serve the spiritual needs of our religiously and culturally diverse world in whatever capacities they are called. Our innovative curriculum combines study of world religions, an exploration of mystical paths and teachings, and spiritual care and ministry skills….all in a creatively infused context.
Through study, reflection, writing and engaging with others, students gain a broad understanding of the world’s faiths, while simultaneously deepening their relationship to their own spiritual traditions. The curriculum includes class instruction, group interactions, theological study, spiritual care skills, spiritual leadership, and practicum experience. It is inclusive of many aspects of individual spiritual formation for ministry as well.
NOTE: This program is available as a hybrid distance learning program, learn more here>>
Our faculty bring a range of expertise to the program in the areas of specific faith traditions, spiritual care practices, spiritual leadership, hospice care, and Interfaith ministry. Many are religious leaders dedicated to building bridges of peace and understanding in one or more arenas of spiritual service. In addition, program faculty interact with the student’s unique gifts of calling and aspiration for spiritual service. For some individuals, this includes support and guidance in the development of competencies necessary to being a professional clergy person.
See the Program Catalogue for more information. With thanks to a very generous donor, at this time we are offering partial scholarships for this program. More information can be found here.
After successful completion of the Interfaith Studies Program, individuals are eligible for ordination as an Interfaith minister by the Interfaith Congregation for Creative and Healing Ministries More information about ordination is here.
| PROGRAM CATALOGUE |
| 2012 CALENDAR |
Advice about Enrolling
We appreciate that some people need support in making such an important decision. Indeed, choosing to enroll in a program such as this is a considerable investment of time and resources. Our Admissions Advisor is available to guide you in your discernment about enrolling in the Interfaith Studies Program, at no charge to you:
Rev. Jennifer Block
Admissions Advisor
admissions@chaplaincyinstitute.org
510-843-1422 x 3
Visit a Module Class
In addition to talking with our Admissions Advisor, prospective students are welcome to attend a module class to gain a first-hand experience of the program. All class visits are from 9am to approximately 1pm and are followed by a meeting with our Dean of Chaplaincy. The calendar of module visiting days is here. Arrangements are made ahead of time through our office:
Vanessa Gomez Brake
Director of Operations & Outreach
chioffice@chaplaincyinstitute.org
510-843-1422
“This not only a course of study ... it is a deeply enriching process that opens each of us to the core of who we truly are, with all our gifts and challenges, and provides us with internal and practical skills so that we may better serve.”
--Rev. Nancy Schluntz, Class of 2007
Faculty
The landscape of Interfaith may seem as foreign to you as Morocco, or Nepal. For this reason you need guides on the journey who are knowledgeable, who speak the language because they have been there and have learned from experience, or who can join you in finding the way to ask the questions that will point to the next step on the path. ChI faculty have been serving as guides to Interfaith ministry students for the past decade. In addition, they are gifted artists who help to shine light into dark places and can help you to recognize the beauty in difficult terrain.
Our faculty help to expand students’ working language of Interfaith ministry and expresses the vision of Interfaith dialogue and inquiry of ChI. Guest faculty includes experts in specific faith traditions, spiritual practices, or other areas of spiritual leadership. Students learn from experts in specialized areas, such as hospice care, addiction & recovery, prison ministry, etc. as well as religious leaders dedicated to building bridges of peace and understanding. More ...
Our Alumni
Our alumni come from a diverse range of backgrounds—from nurses to yoga instructors to business people to psychologists. They also come from a diverse range of theological backgrounds—for example, Buddhists, Catholics, and many people who don’t define their spirituality through a specific faith tradition. More...
