Christos Center for Spiritual Formation is made up of like-minded people who are seeking a deeper relationship with God, themselves, and the world through contemplative spiritual formation practices. If this resonates with you, know that there are others with similar experiences. We welcome you! Many people find their own spiritual formation enriched in the fellowship of others. Because of our online spiritual formation distance learning program, we have graduates and friends worldwide.

No. While our teaching and practices come from the Christian tradition, we welcome all contemplative seekers.

No, Christos is not affiliated with a particular church or denomination. We’re Christian and ecumenical. We welcome people of all denominations, as well as those with no affiliation or church background. Christos is a grace-filled community where people are welcome to explore the edges of their faith. We recognize there are many seasons of our faith life and welcome you to “come as you are.”

Joann Nesser, our founder, started Christos Center for Spiritual Formation in 1990. In 1991, Christos began offering training in spiritual direction.

Read our history and Joann’s full story here.

Traditional contemplative spiritual formation practices include silence, solitude, prayer, retreat, pilgrimage, and spiritual direction. Contemplative practices can also include taking a walk, working in a garden, creating art, playing with children or grandchildren, the list goes on and on. The sacred is found in the ordinary. Any practice that helps us recognize and be open to God can be a contemplative spiritual formation practice. By cultivating our inner lives in this way, we forge a deeper connection with God and can actively share God’s love in the world.

Our signature program, Tending The Holy, provides graduates with a 2-year certificate in spiritual direction. This certificate prepares individuals to practice one-on-one spiritual direction or as a member of a church staff. Learn more here.

Our original location is just north of the Twin Cities in Lino Lakes, MN. We now offer our spiritual direction training program in Lino Lakes, outside the Chicago area (Wheaton), and online through a distance learning program.

Yes, a partial or full-day retreat can be accommodated in the Twin Cities. Call 651-653-8207 or email info@christoscenter.org for more information, or see our Rental Space page. Christos Chicago offers rental space through the Tau Center.

No, Christos does not offer accommodations for overnight guests.

Yes, we offer a variety of meeting spaces at our main retreat center in Twin Cities. Please visit our Rental Space page to learn more. Call 651-653-8207 or email info@christoscenter.org for more information.

Our revenue comes from our training programs, special events, and donations. Christos Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions are tax-deductible. If you would like to contribute, please visit our Donate page, call 651-653-8207 or email info@christoscenter.org. All money donated is distributed to all Christos’ locations.

Great question! Christos offers many events, retreats and workshops to deepen our relationship with God. See our events page for other upcoming opportunities.