Registration is now closed for our 2026-2027 cohorts.

Look to this space in early spring 2027 to apply for the next school year.

Spiritual direction is an age-old practice of the Church. It is sacred, holy listening with another. Some of us naturally find ourselves in situations where we are often sought after for wise advice. Others of us choose vocations that involve leading others in the mysterious ways of God. Spiritual direction, in the formal sense, involves a particular set of skills worth sharpening and developing. To be a spiritual director is to answer a divine and holy calling.

The Sabbath Life offers a 2-year school of spiritual direction. Year One is a solid introduction to spiritual direction, contemplative practices, and communal discernment. Should you continue in Year Two, the focus is on peer supervision and developing the skill of listening well with others. Year Three is an optional opportunity to receive monthly supervision led by a trained supervisor.

It is expected that prior to applying to the program, you will have been meeting with your own spiritual director for at least one year. (See our list of affiliates to find a spiritual director.)

Our training in spiritual direction is ecumenical and from a Christian perspective. We honor and worship the Triune God; God as Creator of all, Jesus as God revealed in the flesh, and the Holy Spirit as the gift of God who transforms our lives and empowers us to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. Scripture is the sacred text informing how we live out our faith. We feel most at home in the contemplative Christian tradition where spiritual direction has its roots.

This program meets the training standards of CSDA.

2026–2027 Year One Cohort Dates

August 20 & 21, 2026

October 8 & 9, 2026

December 3 & 4, 2026

February 18 & 19, 2027

April 15 & 16, 2027

2026–2027 Year Two Cohort Dates

September 17 & 18, 2026

November 12 & 13, 2026

January 21 & 22, 2027

March 11 & 12, 2027

May 13 & 14, 2027

What current students are saying

“Spiritual direction training through The Sabbath Life has been immensely rich both personally and professionally. The intensives and homework have encouraged me to slow down and take a long look at my own relationship with God, to pay better attention to the Holy Spirit, and to pay better attention to others. I am more present to God and others. I am a better listener. I can more readily notice the signs of God at work in and around me and in and around others, especially those I meet with for spiritual direction. The training itself is a vulnerable and holy work done in the safety of a caring cohort and gentle, wise leaders. I am so grateful for all I have learned and the ministry of The Sabbath Life!”—Jenny B.

“I came across this program at what could be described as a very difficult season in my life. I questioned the timing of it, but after being a part of it this year, it has come very clear to me that it was the perfect timing, not only because of the content that I am learning but also what the learning is transforming in me. This transformation that is happening is critical to this difficult season in my life.” —Roxanna G.

“Through this program, I not only am beginning to practice spiritual direction and see God at work in others’ lives, but He is also opening my eyes and helping me to grow in my own spiritual formation. That alone is priceless!” —Cherie M.

“Being part of the School of Spiritual Direction has been incredibly helpful to my own spiritual growth. The readings, intensives, and teachings are designed to help us learn how to do this work as well as experience the rich benefit of spiritual direction as we meet together and practice spiritual direction with one another. The classes are life-giving and affirming of my dream to become a spiritual director. I’m so grateful to be a part of Year 1.” —Ellen A.

“I am realizing I am not simply learning to 'do' spiritual direction but to 'be' spiritual direction. This is a process of becoming and learning to give and receive the beautiful gift of presence.” —Jana S.

“I was surprised by the deep work the Holy Spirit intended to do in me through this course. I'm a better equipped spiritual friend as a result of this school, but more importantly, I am also more fully alive in who God created me to be.” —Josue A.

“Not only did the School of Spiritual Direction teach me to work with people in the art of Spiritual Direction, but it also taught me how to sense God’s leading and directing more. And it’s not just in crisis moments that I’m now aware of His guidance, it’s in the everyday, somewhat mundane moments. This school is excellent and personal and accessible. What a great experience!” –Shari M.

Our Instructors

Peter White is the founder and abbot of the Sabbath Life. For more than 10 years, Peter has provided spiritual direction in formal settings and informal ones as varied as a local congregation, food bank, campus ministry, and even a car dealership. He created The Sabbath Life in 2016 and opened the Abbey of the heights in Tulsa in 2021 to help ministry leaders and normal people alike unbusy their souls, and encounter God so that they can meaningfully be God’s presence in their neighborhoods.

Melissa Hendrickson holds a degree in Pastoral Christian Ministry and cares deeply about spiritual formation at every stage of development. She is certified as a leadership coach through the International Network of Children’s Ministry and as a spiritual director through The Sabbath Life School of Spiritual Direction. Melissa is the creator of Holy Formed and desires to walk alongside people as they tell their stories, encounter Jesus, and live flourishing lives.

Melissa is married with two sons, and in her free time, she loves to curl up with a good book and a cup of rooibos tea.

Christine Westhoff is the founder and president of The MESH Objective and the author and creator of Reframing the Prophetic book and course. She and her husband Craig work with churches throughout the world to build, equip and strengthen pastors and leaders through spiritual direction, coaching and teaching.

Todd Long has 38 years of Christian ministry across several contexts that have given him a deep desire to help souls uncover and nurture authentic connections with God.

Todd’s formation as a spiritual director began with Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction. Specialized training furthered his capacities for soul care, by preparing him to accompany The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, teach Christian Contemplative Practices, supervise spiritual directors, guide retreat experiences, and facilitate Schools of Spiritual Direction.