"The spiritual direction program at Truett was a highlight from my seminary experience. I discovered pastoral skills and passions I was previously unaware of and my entire concept of ministry and vocation have been reshaped during my two years in the program." —Chase Jensen, CSD
Spiritual direction is a historic practice of the church that involves accompanying others in prayerful reflection and conversation as they attend to God's presence and calling in their lives and grow in Christian maturity. Growing a life with God is an essential dimension of the Christian journey. We grow best when we make the journey with others who give the gift of "one anothering" through prayer and encouragement. The ministry of spiritual direction is one form of relationship that responds to this need.
Truett Seminary now offers a training program in spiritual direction for those who are interested in strengthening their gifts for spiritual discernment. Course content includes study, prayer, and practical ministry opportunities with Baylor students and in congregations. Spiritual Direction I-IV is offered over a two-year period. Those who complete the program receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Truett Seminary and can offer spiritual direction to individuals and groups in congregations, other ministry contexts, and beyond. The program is available to seminary students, Baylor faculty and staff, ministers, and lay people seeking to become spiritual directors.
About the Instructor
The primary instructor in the spiritual direction training program is Truett Seminary's Director of Spiritual Formation, Dr. Angela Reed. Dr. Reed has been a spiritual director for over two decades and has a passion for teaching others about this ministry. She is the author of Quest For Spiritual Community: Reclaiming Spiritual Guidance for Contemporary and co-author of Spiritual Companioning: A Guide to Protestant Theology and Practice , which received the Dallas Willard Center book award for 2016.
Additionally, Dr. Reed is joined by a staff of spiritual direction supervisors who are trained in this ministry. The class meets together in a large group to receive instruction on the history, theology, theory, and practice of spiritual direction, but also meets in smaller groups that allow for students to offer and receive spiritual direction under the guidance and direction of a supervisor. Our staff of supervisors are certified spiritual directors who bring knowledge, experience, and wisdom in teaching others how to serve skillfully in this ministry.
"Being part of the spiritual direction training program at Truett was absolutely transformational. I was introduced to a new way of being with God that a part of me had been searching for my entire life. The opportunity to serve others through the ministry of spiritual direction for which this program has prepared me is a pure gift and an invitation from God to listen closely and depend completely upon him." —Carrol Crowson, CSD
Special Emphasis for Cohort Nine
The SDTP's next cohort has a connection to the Bridges to Belonging Project. We want you to know about this opportunity and invite you to discern God’s calling for you and your context. The SDTP equips you with skills that will aid you in service, discipleship, and relational care-giving. Spiritual direction is one way to practice Christian hospitality and can help the Church more faithfully fulfill the calling to be a place of belonging.
In this cohort, Dr. Reed and the supervising team will teach the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the ministry of spiritual direction and add a focused dimension on the Church’s ministry to young/emerging adults. Special topics will include loneliness, mental health, and neurodiversity as they intersect with the experience of God. Participants will engage in supervised spiritual direction as part of the training, and this cohort will be encouraged to include young adults in their practice.
Program Schedule
Cohort Seven began their two-year training cycle in Fall 2024 on Monday evenings. They meet on the following dates (6:00 - 9:00 pm).
Spiritual Direction I (Fall 2024): August 26, September 16, September 30, October 14, October 28, November 11, December 2
Spiritual Direction II (Spring 2025): January 27, February 10, February 24, March 17, March 31, April 14, May 5
Spiritual Direction III (Fall 2025): September 8, September 22, October 6, October 20, November 3, November 17, December 8
Spiritual Direction IV (Spring 2026): February 2, February 16, March 2, March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11
Cohort Eight began their two-year training cycle in Fall 2025 on Monday evenings. They meet on the following dates (6:00 – 9:00 pm).
Spiritual Direction I (Fall 2025): August 25, September 15, September 29, October 13, October 27, November 10, December 1
Spiritual Direction II (Spring 2026): January 26, February 9, February 23, March 16, March 30, April 20, May 4
Spiritual Direction III (Fall 2026): August 31, September 21, October 5, October 19, November 2, November 16, December 7
Spiritual Direction IV (Spring 2027): February 1, February 15, March 1, March 22, April 12, April 26, May 10
Cohort Nine will begin their two-year training cycle in Fall 2026 on Monday evenings. They will meet on the following dates (6:00 – 9:00 pm).
Spiritual Direction I (Fall 2026): August 24, September 14, September 28, October 12, October 26, November 9, November 30
Spiritual Direction II (Spring 2027): January 25, February 8, February 22, March 15, April 5, April 19, May 3
The Extended Learning application process for Cohort Nine is now open. If you would like to join our program as a Baylor Extended Learning student, please email Truett_SpiritualDirection@baylor.edu to request an application packet. The application deadline is June 10, 2026.
Truett students who sense a vocation toward the ministry of spiritual direction may enroll in Spiritual Direction I - PRTH 7110 01 to join this cohort. There is no application is required for Truett students enrolled at the Seminary.
If you have other questions about our program, please visit our frequently asked questions page.
If you have a general inquiry about the Spiritual Direction Training Program, email Truett_SpiritualDirection@baylor.edu.