An ecumenical training program designed to enhance personal spiritual enrichment or to work toward leadership in spiritual direction has been created in Florida.

The "Formation Program in Spiritual Direction" was developed by the Institute of Christian Studies, Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, in cooperation with the Florida Conference.

"It’s been a longtime dream of mine to put in place a process whereby clergy and laity can discern the spiritual direction of God’s will for their life," said the Rev. Patricia D. Brown, director of the Florida Conference’s Office of Spiritual Formation.

Most often, the church uses a psychologically based model of counseling when its members seek direction. "My sense is that we need to begin to draw on our own tradition," she said. "The Christian tradition is very rich in spiritual mentoring."

Brown said spiritual directors help people "discern a direction for their life and make life choices grounded in Jesus Christ" and "bring to bear all those sermons and Sunday school lessons" on whatever is happening in a person’s life at a given time.

Spiritual directors also introduce people to spiritual disciplines, such as meditation, contemplation, prayer practices and fasting.

The program is open to members of any denomination, but the class is limited to 20 participants to facilitate one-on-one interaction between teachers and students. Anyone can audit single courses during the program’s first year.

The first-year courses include personal spirituality and prayer life, the ministry of spiritual direction, classic forms of spirituality, elements of spiritual companionship, spirituality through the ages, and Benedictine, Franciscan, Ignatian and Augustian forms of spiritual direction. Students also participate in peer group reflection, journaling and peer mentoring and learn the practical application of course material.

The second year is designed for those who want to become recognized spiritual directors. It includes quarterly meetings for peer group reflection and personal growth, practical experience with ongoing supervision, peer mentoring, and review of case studies.

Those interested in the ministry of spiritual direction must have a referral and recommendation from a parish priest or minister, as well as recommendations from three other individuals. They must also complete an interview with the discernment committee.

The first-year program for 2000-2001 begins Sept. 16 and ends with a June 15-16 retreat. Dates in between are an Oct. 6-8 retreat and Saturday classes on Nov. 4 and 18, Dec. 2, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, April 7 and May 19. The program will be held in Orlando.