The Interfaith Ordination Program is designed to inspire, nurture and educate a new kind of clergy: those who are called to serve in an interfaith capacity in our increasingly diverse world. Our innovative program focuses on a combination of the study of world religions, an exploration of mystical paths and teachings, and spiritual care and ministry skills….all in a creatively infused context. Our goal is to offer a complete and well-rounded seminary experience that prepares our students to serve in whatever capacities they are called.
Our Philosophy: We honor our students' unique spiritual paths and encourage them to continue to nurture their own theological perspectives. We ask each student to bring his or her gifts, talents, and point of view to this work.
Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds—from nurses to yoga instructors to business people to psychologists. They also come from a diverse range of theological backgrounds—for example, Buddhists, Catholics, and many people who don’t define their spirituality through a specific faith tradition.
We are an adult learning community, and we continue to grow through each person’s distinctive talents and perspectives.
Our Faculty: Our faculty includes a unique combination of core faculty and guest faculty. Our core faculty teach world religions, spiritual psychology, theology, spiritual care, music and dream work. Guest faculty includes experts in specific faith traditions, spiritual practices, or other areas of spiritual leadership. For example, among our recent teachers, one is the founder of the Geeta Society (Hindu studies); one is an expert in crisis and suicide; one is a community minister who has developed an entrepreneurial, non-traditional ministry; and one is a Sufi who is also a prison chaplain.
Our Curriculum: We study each of the major faith traditions, including sacred texts, rituals and worship, historical perspectives, and mystical aspects of the tradition. Our curriculum is experiential, including attending services of the faith traditions and participating in aspects of each tradition’s music, arts, prayer and meditation.
In addition, we integrate:
• Theological studies—both across faith traditions and through delving into major theological topics and questions
• Practical, inclusive spiritual care and ministry skills
• Spiritual psychology—both for our students’ personal growth and to help them develop spiritual care skills
• Creativity and the arts, including dream work, music, movement and visual art as ways of connecting with the Divine.
Structure of the Program: The Ordination Program consists of twelve one-week modules that may be taken in any order. Each module has a distinct theme—either a world religion or a particular aspect of interfaith ministry. In addition, nearly every module includes classes in theology, spiritual care and spiritual psychology. Many also incorporate dream work.
Students may take up to three years to complete the coursework, and they can take the modules as they are able. (Most students attend on a cycle of either every month or every other month). Modules do not need to be taken sequentially, as the calendar of modules repeats itself each year.
Other Requirements: Besides the classroom portion of the Ordination Program, each student is required to complete a practicum, as well as to study a secondary faith tradition. While we provide support and guidance for our students, we encourage each student to develop a practicum experience that will support their particular emergent ministry. Some students choose to serve in a hospital or hospice capacity; others design an individualized practicum (examples have been art therapy, creating spiritual growth workshops, creating interfaith meditation services at a place of worship…and many more).
With regard to the secondary tradition, each student chooses a faith tradition to delve into further. Sometimes students choose a faith tradition from their childhood that they may want to explore again with fresh eyes; other times, students learn about a faith tradition that is completely new to them, or one they've had some experience in that has piqued their interest.
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For more information about ChI's Interfaith Ordination program, please see the Ordination Program Calendar and Orientation to the Interfaith Ordination Program. Click on Request an Application to receive more in-depth details about the program's curriculum and structure.
Admissions Requirements: Acceptance to the Interfaith Ordination program normally requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. school.
Special Opportunity: Space permitting, prospective students may be invited to attend class for free on the first day of a module to gain a first-hand experience of the program. Please call or email the office for more information, at (510) 843-1422 or chioffice@chaplaincyinstitute.org.
