Accreditation Opportunities

Certifications leading up to Ordination

Humanity has urgent need for men and women who are not only desirous of serving humanity, but who are trained to do so.
Flower A. Newhouse, Speaking the Word

The call for spiritual service of a person to the ministry of Christ is one of the most rewarding and yet challenging events a soul can realize. Most individuals dedicate themselves to vocations or careers, but ministers and spiritual mentors give themselves to a way of life through dedication and service to the Lord Christ. It is Christ and not the self who motivates and inspires such an individual's choices, decisions, goals, actions and outlook at all times.

A good spiritual server is not worldly in some instances and spiritually oriented in others. Through this certification process, individuals choose the spiritual path to be their focus of attention as they aspire to live a Christ-centered life. This begins a lifelong endeavor to deepen their love for God and Christ in search of greater wisdom and dedication.

All programs require an application process that may begin following the first semester, enabling students to start the additional coursework. All candidates must receive final approval from The Christward Ministry Board.

Spiritual Life Coach

A certified spiritual coach is a trained individual who helps seekers meet life more confidently by looking at it from an ever-deepening spiritual perspective—helping them to discover their own individual identity in God and their purpose in life.

Prerequisites: Completion of Holy Quest, Level IA and IB; Application acceptance

Requirements: Each student will need to complete one Academy Retreat week intensive at Questhaven Retreat. This will include classes in spiritual counseling, world religions and leadership training. A Christward Ministry Board interview and final project will be assigned to complete accreditation.

Teacher (Lay Minister)

A certified teacher or lay minister is a trained individual who is called to lead worship services, care for those in need, organize prayer activities, assist in program leadership, facilitate group classes and meditation services.

Prerequisites: Completion of Holy Quest, Level IIA and IIB; Application acceptance

Requirements: Each student will need to complete two Academy Retreat week intensives at Questhaven Retreat. This will include classes in spiritual counseling, world religions, leadership, group facilitation, worship and sacrament training. A Christward Ministry Board interview and final project will be assigned to complete accreditation.

A flower casts its fragrance upon the breath of the winds, never asking for recognition, nor admiration, nor love because its inner nature compels it to sweeten the world. So through this channel may the perfume of Reality steal to gladden the lives of all.
Flower A. Newhouse, 1921 (age 12)

Ministerial Ordination

Fully ordained ministers of The Christward Ministry give their lives to the Christ Cause on all levels and answers the three-fold pledge:

To the best of my ability, I promise to make the realization of the spirit of God my constant desire, objective and life.

To the best of my ability, I will continually purify, elevate, and spiritualize my thoughts and being that I may be steadfast and pure enough to see God.

Whatever I know of inner faith, realization, and spiritual powers I will share with others that the Kingdom of God may come more fully into the earth.

Prerequisites: Completion of Holy Quest, Level IIIA and IIIB; Application acceptance

Requirements: Each student will need to complete three Academy Retreat week intensives at Questhaven Retreat. This will include classes in spiritual counseling, world religions, leadership, group facilitation, worship, sacrament training, the Bible and public speaking. A Christward Ministry Board interview and time of apprenticeship to include a final mission project will be assigned to complete ordination.

Video: Academy Retreat Experiences
Academy Students