The Gnostic Seminary is the Spiritual Ministry Program of the Gnosis Institute.

The Program focuses on preparing individuals to serve others in a Gnosis oriented setting or capacity. This is the equivalent of a Divinity program that in contrast to many degree programs will prepare an individual for active service rather than theological instruction or debate. This program has a strong praxis, and practicum element, and includes elements of formation.

The program takes the view that students are serious about preparation for active engaged spiritual ministry, and are not simply seeking a fast track to ordination. Spiritual ministry is a difficult task in the best of circumstances, one that many set out to devote their lives to, and a very few succeed in actually living out. Rather than focus on ordination, we focus on serious education for ministry that is academic, both broad and deep, and focused on practice. With the limitations of distance, the lack of personal contact and experience central to gnosis being overcome to the extent possible through annual conferences and retreats: creating temporary learning communities that will allow us to grow our vital community beyond the limitations of where we reside.

Additionally, the program is modular, both to adapt to the individual ministry for which it is preparation, and to adapt to different focuses within a diverse tradition—to be able to serve all those seeking serious preparation for spiritual ministry, regardless of the form of that ministry. Graduates of denominational or other academic programs, as well as, those currently engaged in spiritual ministry will benefit from this program, using its modular nature to create an individualized program.

The vision of the program is that of an open professional seminary such as Harvard Divinity School or Union Theological Seminary, rather than a denominational seminary. A program with a mystical and inner focus designed to prepare students for active spiritual ministry.

Will Ordination be offered through the Seminary?

The seminary is an institution of higher education. Seminary programs are a preparation for ordination, but, it is the domain of the church to bestow Holy Orders through ordination. Formation as clergy occurs within a particular ecclesiastical structure. The Gnostic Seminary will provide academic education as part of the preparation of clergy, however, particularly for Gnostics, an academic education is by no means sufficient preparation as it lacks the knowledge gained through participation and experience that is gnosis. It would be uncharacteristic to ignore something so fundamental in the formation process.

Students seeking ordination are advised to consult with their ordaining church or ecclesiastical body if they seek to use this program as a part of their formation process.

The Symbol

The 'stephanos' is the crown of olive wreaths which is part of the Seminary's crest. It is the ancient Greek symbol of excellence that the Seminary strives to embody. It is also in honor of the Rt. Rev. Stephan A. Hoeller, PhD, in ecclesia Tau Stephanus, a gifted scholar and educator, the senior Gnostic Bishop in the Americas. Truly a seminal figure in modern manifestations of the Gnosis, Dr. Hoeller has written important works on Gnosticism, but more importantly has spent a lifetime as a guide, teacher, and hierophant for many. It is in the spirit of this service that the Seminary strives to continue.

Seminary Program Course Listing by Module - (Course List is Incomplete)

Completion of the Foundation Module with additional Modules