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In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience.

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spirituality is related with meaning-making in learning. In psychology, meaning-making is the process of how people understand or make sense of life events, relationships, and the self.

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Nontraditional Adult Learning Theory and Practice. 1. Embodied / Somatic Learning 2. Spirituality

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THE IMPACT OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES IN ADULT LEARNING                         Rachel Brooks 

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THE IMPACT OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES IN ADULT LEARNING                         Rachel Brooks 

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This paper is a report on an exploration of the relationship of spirituality in the context of adult education and provides examples of spiritual experiences for adult learners inside and outside of the classroom and the impact of these occurrences. It also emphasizes the opportunities for educators to accidentally create spiritual learning experiences through the connection of culturally responsive teaching.

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Spirituality and Adult LearningElizabeth J. Tisdell

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Spirituality and Adult LearningElizabeth J. Tisdell

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The role of spirituality in adult education and adult learning is discussed by defining spirituality and exploring how spiritual experience facilitates spiritual development.

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Please check your email for instructions on resetting your password. If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, your email address may not be registered, and you may need to create a new Wiley Online Library account.

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36% 43% 7% 14% 0% Teaching leads us to experiencing passion for the subject and sharing this with students. Passion is a stepping stone in Spirituality when you consider spirituality a process of transformation. The thing that motivates us throughout life more than anything is

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researching spirituality in adult learning 

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researching spirituality in adult learning 

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This paper is based on a seminar series funded between January 2004 and

December 2005 by the Economic and Social Research Council entitled Researching spirituality as a dimension of lifelong learning.

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how does spirituality influence  adult learning?

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how does spirituality influence  adult learning?

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Chapter 5 : spirituality and adult learning

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Chapter 5 : spirituality and adult learning

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Authors: Peter mayo and Leona English

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Title: Spirituality of Adult Education and Training. Professional Practices in Adult Education and Human Resource Development Series

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Title: Spirituality of Adult Education and Training. Professional Practices in Adult Education and Human Resource Development Series

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Authors: Leona M. English
Jim Parsons
Tara J. Fenwick

Introduction: This book acknowledges that spirituality is an integral part of adult learning and development. Building on the history of adult education and training, which is laced with spiritual themes and motivations.

This book explores how spirituality intersects with the lives of adult educators and trainers. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) spirituality's role within the context of adult education and training and defining spirituality  (2) current research and theory in spirituality as it relates to adult education and training ; (3) the need for adult educators and trainers to foster their own spirituality as a basis for integrating spirituality into their practice through the use of journals, reflective reading, artwork, soul friends, and body movement

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Title: Exploring Spirituality and Culture in Adult and Higher Education

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Title: Exploring Spirituality and Culture in Adult and Higher Education

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Author:  Elizabeth Tisdell

Introduction: his book is written from the unique perspective of teacher, researcher, and author Elizabeth Tisdell who has extensive experience dealing with culture, gender, and educational equity issues in secular adult and higher education classrooms, and formerly in pastoral and religious education settings on college campuses.

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Program Description: Songs of Peace from around the world

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Program Description: Songs of Peace from around the world

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Songs of Peace from around the World takes the audience members on a journey around the world through different cultures and times. It is a 1 hour show, fits adults, seniors, and young adults. Either...

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INTERFAITH EMPOWERMENT+
Empowerment Plus is an interfaith action program for young adults. Empowerment Plus shows young adults how to apply spiritual principles in their personal and professional lives, helping them develop a faith-centered framework with a focus on giving back – the key to a meaningful life.
The giving-back portion of Empowerment Plus is not just theory, but practical interfaith action projects, including helping others in need – including immigrants and refugees – get better jobs or start a business.
The inspiration for Empowerment Plus comes from the famous story about loving our neighbors – The Good Samaritan.
Although the Good Samaritan was a foreigner with a foreign religion, his care for the man left to die by the side of the road is the example of the loving faith-in-action we are called to show to others regardless of their faith or background.
Indeed, the interfaith Launching Leaders 12-week course is the cornerstone of Empowerment Plus. The course is packed with well-done videos and interactive exercises that help young adults answer important questions, including:
— Where am I finding meaning and purpose? 
— Am I living true to myself and being authentic? 
— Am I discovering my potential? 
— Should I make a plan for my life?
— What does financial self-reliance mean to me?
— Can I succeed alone?
— How can I give back?
— Where does spirituality fit in?
You can be part of the solution to problems that divide us today by starting or joining an Empowerment plus program at a university, congregation, or community organization in your area.
The interfaith Launching Leaders online course is $99 per person, which includes 12 modules and the electronic version of the companion book Leadership by LIGHT: Principles That Empower (a paperback version of the book is available for separate purchase).
For groups participating in the Empowerment Plus program, the price is less at $79 per person, and the local organizers will keep $39.50 of the per person tuition, which they can use to help facilitate the weekly Empowerment Plus meetings.
Free trial at http://www.llworldwide.org/religious-freedom-business-foundation/
Interfaith Action, Service, Self-Development
The key to making Empowerment Plus more than just a one-time course is to establish an Empowerment Plus steering group in your community. The steering group should be people from different faith backgrounds willing to serve as mentors to young adults.
As ann integral part of Empowerment Plus, young adults from different faith groups partner together to carry out practical interfaith action projects ranging from jobs programs to service projects.

Indeed, many economic and social problems are overcome when people of different religions and beliefs work together in faith and action. For example, the second component of Empowerment+ is an interfaith action toolkit including Find a Better Job (see more below).

The action also involves self-development as the interfaith Launching Leaders 12-module course gives you tools that open doors to a life of fulfillment.

It does this by helping people learn universal leadership and personal development principles, while drawing on spiritual principles from within their own faith tradition.

It also does this by intentionally recruiting and bringing together people from different faiths in weekly live meetings to discuss the principles they are learning, and helping them design their interfaith action projects.

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 Areas of focus that weave through the formation program include contemplation and deep listening, awareness of self and the holy spirit, discernment, somatic integration, spiritual practices and self-reflection, supervision and ethics.

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 Areas of focus that weave through the formation program include contemplation and deep listening, awareness of self and the holy spirit, discernment, somatic integration, spiritual practices and self-reflection, supervision and ethics.

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Our primary motive for becoming a spiritual companion should be the love of others and desire to help them grow into the full measure of holiness and wholeness that is their eternal destiny. David G. Benner, Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction (CSD) program is designed for individuals who discern a call to the ministry of Spiritual Direction
Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four one-week long residencies on campus, online components, individual reading and written reflections, and a supervised practicum in the art of spiritual direction. Organized on the cohort model, the certificate is intended to be completed in two and half years.

Areas of focus that weave through the formation program include contemplation and deep listening, awareness of self and the holy spirit, discernment, somatic integration, spiritual practices and self-reflection, supervision and ethics.

Certificate in Spiritual Direction Leadership

A team of leaders provide content and feedback in plenary sessions, model spiritual practices and spiritual direction, facilitate afternoon learning labs, mentor participants, and share unique gifts throughout the program. The leadership team includes:

The Rev. Dr. Jim Dant currently serves as senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. A well-respected conference and retreat leader, Jim has also taught courses at Mercer University and McAfee School of Theology and for Certificate in Spiritual Formation program at Columbia Theological Seminary,. He is the author of several books, most recently, This I Know: A Simple Biblical Defense for Lgbtq Christians. Jim is a graduate of Georgia State University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Columbia Theological Seminary. He received certifications in Spiritual Direction and Ignatian Retreat direction from the Mercy Center in Burlingame, CA. Jim enjoys running triathlons, studying Hebrew, and classical guitar.

The Rev. Liz Forney serves as a Chaplain for the Hospice of the Piedmont focuses on pastoral care and Stephen Ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA. Liz serves as an instructor and practice group facilitator in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program at Columbia Seminary. She is the co-author with Norvene Vest of, What is your Practice: Lifelong Growth in the Spirit. Liz earned her BA from Franklin and Marshall and her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. She also received a Certificate in Individual Spiritual Guidance from the Shalem Institute, Washington, DC, and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Dr. Julie Johnson founded HolyCreek Ministries where she serves as Spiritual Director, Congregational Consultant and Retreat Leader. She also serves as spiritual director at Samaritan Counseling Center at First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. Julie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Religion at Purdue University, her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, her Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary and her Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Julie teaches the Discernment in Spiritual Direction and is a practice group supervisor in the CSD. Julie's hobbies include friendship, travel, photography, poetry and outdoor activities. http://holycreek.org/

The Rev. Dr. Deedra Rich is a teacher, spiritual director, retreat leader and supervisor for spiritual directors. She has worked with the Spirituality Program at Columbia for over 10 years serving in a variety of capacities - facilitator, instructor, program coordinator, former director, and practicum adviser. She serves as an instructor and spiritual direction supervisor in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction. Deedra received her M.Div. from Candler School of Theology and her Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary and is ordained through the Baptist tradition. She received training in Spiritual Direction through Sursum Corda. Deedra has served both Baptist (CBF) and Presbyterian (PC USA) churches. Her current interest and area of study is integrating Benedictine Spirituality, specifically their spiritual practices and intentional rhythm of life, into one's everyday life and spiritual journey. She also enjoys practicing centering prayer, yoga, gardening, and hiking. She lives in Atlanta with her two young daughters and her husband, Matt.

The Rev. Mary Anona Stoops has an active practice of spiritual direction and supervision of spiritual directors and is delighted to serve as part of the leadership team for the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program and the Certificate in Older Adult Ministries Programs at Columbia Theological Seminary. Mary Anona is ordained in the PC(USA) and has served congregations in Australia, New York, Tennessee and Nebraska and currently serves as Pastor for Adult Spiritual Formation at North Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA. Mary Anona earned her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and formation in Spiritual Direction through the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas. Mary Anona loves exploring and adventure and is convinced that the greatest adventure of all is the journey into the inner landscape of the soul.

The Rev. Jane E. Vennard is John Wesley Iliff Senior Adjunct Instructor in Spirituality at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. She earned her B.A. from Wellesley College, her M.A. from Stanford University and her M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary. She was called to a special ministry of teaching and spiritual direction and ordained in the United Church of Christ. Jane is a spiritual director in private practice and a long-time member of Spiritual Directors International.

In addition to Iliff, Jane has taught at the Pacific School of Religion, Vancouver School of Theology, Columbia Seminary, and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She is also a regular faculty presenter with The Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation and teaches classes in a variety of ecumenical settings, leads retreats internationally, and is the author of numerous articles and eight books: Praying for Friends and Enemies (1995), Praying with Body and Soul (l998), Be Still: Designing and Leading Contemplative Retreats (2000), Embracing the World: Praying for Justice and Peace (2003), winner of the Colorado Book Award, A Praying Congregation: The Art of Teaching Spiritual Practice (2005), The Way of Prayer (2007), Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul (2013), and Teaching - The Spiritual Art: The Joy of Opening Minds and Hearts (2015). Jane lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband Jim Laurie, a retired Presbyterian minister.

Debra Weir, MA, DASD is the Associate Director for Spirituality and Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary. She is a spiritual director, supervisor for spiritual directors, and retreat leader. Informing her sensibilities are her avocations in health and expressive arts and her deep roots in Asia where she and her family lived for ten years. She received degrees from the University of Kansas and the University of California at Berkeley. She holds the Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary, has completed Together in the Mystery Supervision Training for Spiritual Directors and co-led the training. She is a ruling elder in the PCUSA. Debra enjoys travel and pilgrimage, expansive spaces in the great out-doors, good food, cooking and simple gardening.

Admission Requirements and Application Information

Applicants to the Certificate in Spiritual Direction (CSD) program should have completed a minimum of one year receiving spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director and agree to continue in spiritual direction during CSD studies.

Applicants should be able: to articulate an understanding of spiritual guidance and discernment of call to the ministry of spiritual direction; narrate their faith journey and current spiritual practices; exhibit maturity and relationship to a faith community. Two letters of reference are required.

Computer and internet access are needed to use the seminary's online learning platform and complete the distance components of the course work. Participants will not be required to be online at a specific time. Online segments are self-paced.

Applications for the 2020 Cohort will open July, 2019.

Course of Study
2018-2020 CSD Cohort Spiritual Direction in Context
October 21-26, 2018
Leader Jane Vennard/Leadership Team
Incarnation: Theology, Tradition and Practice of Spiritual Direction
March 24-29, 2019
Leader: Jim Dant/Leadership Team
Discernment in Spiritual Direction
October 20-25, 2019
Leader: Julie Johnson/Leadership Team
Spiritual Direction, Discerned Action and Social Transformation
March 22-27, 2020
Leader: Jim Dant/Leadership Team

2020 Cohort
Spiritual Direction in Context
September 27- October 2, 2020
Leader Jane Vennard/Leadership Team
Incarnation: Theology, Tradition and Practice of Spiritual Direction
Spring 2021
Leader: Jim Dant/Leadership Team
Discernment in Spiritual Direction
Fall 2021
Leader: Julie Johnson/Leadership Team
Spiritual Direction, Discerned Action and Social Transformation
Spring 2022
Leader: Jim Dant/Leadership Team

Supervised Practice in the Art of Spiritual Direction

Supervision is a spiritual practice as well as an ethical commitment on the part of all spiritual directors. We offer a well-developed supervision process to facilitate formation and learning.

This process is learned during the residencies through practical training in afternoon learning labs facilitated by members of the leadership team. The framework is then utilized at home for monthly meetings with a trained field supervisor. Eighteen supervision sessions are required for completion of the CSD. Fees for individual supervision are the responsibility of the student. Feels generally range from $50-100 per hour-long session. A list of supervisors will be provided.

Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of the requirements of this program a certificate of completion will be awarded.

The certificate will attest to completion of this formation and training program to develop the gifts and sensibilities of spiritual directors and support their callings to this ministry.

Program Fees

The cost of each residency is $1400, which includes several meals and residency-related course components. Housing is available for an additional fee. Fees may be adjusted on an annual basis.

Fees for field supervision ($50-100 per hour-long session) are the responsibility of the student.

For more information, please email Debra Weir (mail to: weir.debra@ctsnet.edu), Associate Director, Spirituality and Lifelong Learning, or call her at 404-687-4557.

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Certificate in Spiritual Direction | The Center for Lifelong Learning | Atlanta, GA

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Our primary motive for becoming a spiritual companion should be the love of others and desire to help them grow into the full measure of holiness and wholeness that is their eternal destiny. David G.

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Spiritual Direction: Foundations is a supervised program for people engaged in the ministry of spiritual direction who wish to enhance their training and skills. Offered by Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.