A Robust 12-Week Virtual Training

2027 Cohort Applications Open in May 2027

Spiritual Accompaniment with Children is for spiritual directors and those who feel called to a listening ministry with children. Students who are interested in this course will have noticed a lifelong interest in the spiritual lives of children and in the ministry of spiritual accompaniment. This class will consist of learning through reading and discussion and learning through practicum sessions with children. Those interested are required to complete an essay and an interview with the instructor before admittance. Please note there is a $25 application fee.  

Cost: $550. Course fee includes supervision sessions. Scholarships are available.  

Course Description: Spiritual Accompaniment with Children is designed to form adults into listening companions for children. Through readings and experiences, adults will learn about the unique aspects of a child’s life with God and how to come alongside and support. Adults will gain information and insights around children’s spiritual formation and how meeting the child where they are with acceptance and encouragement opens the child to resiliency and a lifelong relationship with the Divine. This is a practicum course therefore participants will be meeting with children and bringing those sessions to supervision conversations.  
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Through this course, you will...

Learn the four elements of children's spiritual formation. 
Explore and understand the various dimensions of the person and how that impacts the spiritual lives of children.
Grow in skills and posture to be a listening presence for children.
Explore and reflect upon your own childhood experiences of God in the presence of a trained spiritual director.
Engage in intentional child-like spiritual practices that are natural to children.
Describe, practice and implement the distinctive elements in the practice of listening with children.
Develop and practice spiritual direction skills that meet children where they are.
Notice moments of transcendence and the Spirit's invitation in the life of a child.

Requirements for Spiritual Direction
with Children Certificate

Class attendance and participation is required at all sessions. One excused absence is allowed.
Eight hours of spiritual direction sessions with children.
Participate in 4 Group Supervision Sessions.

Our Program Guides

Kathi Gatlin

Lynn Holt

Jeff Savage

Alyssa Bell

Lisa McMinn

Tracy Busse

Jean Nevills

Frequently asked questions

Who should apply?

We are welcoming Spiritual Seekers and Spiritual Leaders who have a capacity to listen to and articulate their own spiritual experience and are drawn to deep authentic and vulnerable conversations. Applicants should have experience in an ongoing relationship receiving spiritual direction or less formal spiritual accompaniment. A recommendation from that person will be required as part of the application process. Those who do not currently have a formal spiritual direction relationship will need to engage one. We have a list available of spiritual directors who offer the same contemplative flow of what we are teaching. 

What is the expected workload?

Students can expect to spend 8-10 hours per week in reading, reflection, online cohort discussions, and praxis sessions.

What is the size of the cohort?

Due to our high praxis and relational approach we are limiting each cohort to 8-18 participants. With three trained praxis mentors, the student to mentor ratio is six to one maximum. 

Why would I join?

As we journey together over these 21-months, you will receive content with guided praxis to develop listening skills to hold space for others without having to fix them. Our program is heavily weighted with listening and spiritual direction praxis, while you are accompanied by trained supervisory praxis mentors who desire to help you learn to openly listen with empathy, compassion, offering a contemplative, judgment-free space. In addition to spiritual direction content, we include eight spiritual formation courses to help define your own way of understanding yourself, God, and those around you. 

What is included in the cost?

The cost for each year of the two-year program—excluding personal spiritual direction, books, and supplies—is $3,800. A deposit of $1000 is due by July 1st each year once a student is accepted. The remaining is split between $1000 due by September 1st and $1800 by January 31st for each of the two years or through a 20-month payment plan of $335 per month after the first deposit. All spiritual direction training sessions, spiritual formation courses, and supervision/mentor sessions are included.

Where are you located?

We are located outside of Portland, Oregon and our weekly sessions are all virtual. So there is no need to travel to our location.

Who do I contact for more information?

Email Kathi Gatlin at kathi@companioningcenter.org for more information.description

Are you accredited or can I receive college credits?

We are not an academic program and there is no accrediting body overseeing spiritual direction training. However, upon completion of our program, students will be able to receive 12 credits of advanced standing at two Universities.

  • At Portland Seminary, our graduates can apply 12 credits of advanced standing toward their 36-credit hour Masters in Spiritual Formation degree. More information is on their site. 


  • At Richmont Graduate University, our graduates can apply 12 credits of advanced standing toward their 40-credit Masters in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction degree. More information is on their site.