Certification in Spiritual Direction Application Requirements

The Office of External Programs is currently accepting applications for a new Arkansas cohort to begin October 2025.

Application Deadline: March 19, 2025 - August 15, 2025

Please note, applications are only being accepted for the Arkansas Retreat Format at this time.

PLEASE REVIEW: CSD application requirements before beginning your application.

1. All CSD applicants must meet with a spiritual director for at least 4-6 months prior to beginning the CSD program.

  • Upon acceptance into the program, CSD students are required to meet monthly with a Spiritual Director throughout the program.

2. The online application consists of short answers and essay questions; please be prepared to complete the application in one sitting. The application will not be saved or submitted prior to hitting "submit."

  • Once your application is submitted, you will be provided a link to pay the $50 application fee. Application fees MUST be paid before the application is reviewed. Paying the application fee as soon as you conclude your application is advised.

3. All applicants must submit their applications with uploading 3 letters of reference/recommendations. Of the 3 letters, one must be from your pastor or spiritual leader, one must come from your spiritual director, and the final one can come from ministry volunteers, church leaders, friends or family.

  • Criteria needed in each letter of reference/recommendation:
    • How long have you known the candidate?
    • Do you believe the candidate is well suited for and called to ministry?
    • What do you believe are the candidate's gifts for that ministry?

Short answer/Essay questions seen on application (500-800 word responses requested).

  • How did you hear about this program?
  • What do you understand "Spiritual Direction" to be?
  • Why do you believe that you are called to a ministry of Spiritual Direction?
  • What are your long-term goals in ministry and how will a certificate from Perkins help you achieve those goals?

Special funding for this program through the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is available to qualified individuals.

  • Registration Fee may qualify to be covered by a 50% scholarship from the for first 10 (first come, first served) Members in the Arkansas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Please contact Tee Bolin  for more information on how to obtain this scholarship.

For any questions regarding the application, please email: theoexternalprograms@smu.edu