Introduction to The Training Experience

One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, a two-year training program in Interfaith Ministry, is designed to facilitate the process of inner transformation and to develop our capacity to “be in the world but not of it”. The program provides an interactive learning experience which includes individual and group sharing, facilitated growth experiences, and structured spiritual exploration in an adult-oriented classroom setting.

One Spirit emphasizes direct experience, personal understanding, and intellectual clarity in an atmosphere of genuine community that encourages both internal and interpersonal development.

When you complete the Seminary training program, you will:

• Have an understanding of the world’s major wisdom traditions

• See how contemporary knowledge deepens that understanding

• Be familiar with basic psychological principles as they apply to everyday life

• Have explored your own spiritual history and your relationship with the Western, Judeo-Christian culture

• Have tasted a variety of spiritual practices from different traditions, deepened your own practice, and explored practices that might support your growth at different times

• Be a better listener and a more supportive person

• Have cultivated greater self-acceptance and a deeper sense of the contribution you can make to life

• Be more aware of your own motivations and of the individual and cultural differences that make each of us unique

• Have learned how to participate more skillfully and more lovingly in group settings

• Know how to better support your own growth and the growth of everyone you encounter

• Be a more peaceful person

• Understand how we serve each other in every encounter and how better to balance caring for yourself and caring for others

• Have reflected deeply on the stages of life from birth to death and understand how ritual can deepen our experience of those transitions

• Be better able to serve the world informally in your role as a parent, child, spouse, significant other, brother or sister, co-worker, leader, and friend

• Be prepared to begin formal service as an ordained Interfaith minister in a variety of roles such as pastor, marriage officiant, worship leader, etc.

• Be ready to further your studies and deepen your preparedness