Program Purpose

The Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Direction degree is to equip pastors and Christian leaders in the ministries of spiritual formation, with a focus on spiritual direction.

Program Goals

• Professional practice of Christian spiritual direction grounded in the Christian faith and tradition.
• Foundational knowledge on Christian spirituality based on Scripture, Church tradition and theology.
• Effectual appropriation from human sciences, particularly the disciplines of psychology and clinical psychology, to enhance the understanding of human life and process of direction.
• Experiential learning to grasp the transformational dynamic in spiritual formation.
• Critical theological reflection and integration of knowledge and experience.
• Effective application of knowledge and skills in one’s ministry context.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an institution recognized by LTS; and
• Four prerequisite courses (12 credits) in the area of biblical or theological studies, plus four prerequisite courses (12 credits) in the area of Christian spirituality recognized by LTS; otherwise, admitted students should fulfill the requirement via the course at LTS on an extra-credit basis; and
• Previous experience in spiritual direction and retreat for the purpose of spiritual formation.

Program Content

The program, which is an integration of academic study, experimental learning, and ministry application, includes 6 core courses plus 2 guided electives. Students must pay attention that they are required to have minimum 5 sessions of personal spiritual direction per year during study, arranged or approved by LTS; and have a supervised practicum after they have completed 5 core courses with the permission of program coordinator. Students are required to pay extra fees for spiritual direction, retreat and practicum supervision, apart from the tuition.

Further Study

If a Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Direction degree holder continues to study for the Master of Divinity (M.Div.3-yr) at LTS, a maximum of 12 credits can be exempted. If the holder also has a B.Th. degree, s/he can continue to study for the Master of Divinity (M.Div.2-yr) at LTS with a maximum of 12 credits be exempted.

(course credits in brackets)

i) Core Courses

　SW2000 Paths of Prayer (3)

　SW2026 Practice of Spiritual Direction (3)

　SW2027/PT2062 Spirituality Workshop and Silent Retreat (3)

　SW2029 Ignatian Spirituality and Discernment (3)

　CP2011 Essential Counseling Skills (3)

　SW3019 Spiritual Direction Practicum (3)

ii) Guided Electives on Christian Spirituality (SW)

2 courses (6)