Certificate in Resilient Service
Everything you need to know about applying for the Certificate in Resilient Service
The Certificate in Resilient Service is a seven-month program that strengthens the resilience of pastors, changemakers in non-profits, and social entrepreneurs through engaging intentional cycles of rest and engagement in order to build generative communities.
The purpose of the application process is to help us get a sense of you as a person and as a leader, as well as to spark conversations with those who can invest in your personal resilience and your community’s generativity.
Application Deadlines & Review Process
Each annual cohort is limited to 24 participants, so we recommend applying early. Following each application deadline, our Admissions Review Committee will review your application and your Admissions Counselor will notify you of your admission status.
Certificate in Resilient Service Application Process
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
The first step in the application process is completing the online application form. This gives us more context about who you are and what you are hoping to achieve in the program. The application form requires 20-30 minutes and must be completed in one sitting. You will be asked to name two references. A $25 application fee is required to submit your application.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Letters of Recommendation
In the application form you will be asked for the names and email addresses for two references. Please select references who are able to answer the following three questions:
- What is your sense of the applicant’s self-awareness: their character, motives, and desires?
- What is your experience of the applicant in relationship: with yourself and those whom they lead?
- In what ways has the applicant shown capacity and desire to engage with others who hold differing theological beliefs?
We will send a request for recommendation to the email addresses you list for each of your references.
Statement of Purpose Essay
The purpose of the essay requirement is to create an opportunity for us to experience you, learn more about your calling, and discern your understanding of and resonance with the goals and outcomes of the Certificate in Resilient Service.
Prompt
Resilience is comprised of three major streams of health: relationships with people and especially with peers; practices that support spiritual, physical, and mental health; and purpose that makes meaning of hardship.
In response to your desire to strengthen your resilience, explore the intersection of who you are, the work you feel called to do, and why you feel the Certificate in Resilient Service would be a benefit to you and your work. What streams of resilience do you robustly have? What needs support?
- Each essay must be typed, double-spaced, and 400-600 words in length (approximately 2 pages)
- Once complete, please ensure that your name is in the header of the document, save it as a .pdf file with the title “Your Name – Essay”, and submit it electronically to admissions@theseattleschool.edu
Video
In 5-10 minutes, using a computer or phone camera, please:
- Introduce yourself! State your name, organization, and a bit about who you are and the work that you do.
- Address the following question: What have you done in the last 2 years to improve your wellbeing?
When you are finished, please send the video via email to admissions@theseattleschool.edu.
Step 3: Discernment Conversation
You will be assigned to an Admissions Counselor once your application has been submitted. They will schedule a phone call with you to learn more about you, your current work, and what is drawing you to participate in the Certificate in Resilient Service.
Costs
The cost of the total program (3 cohort gatherings, 5 additional facilitated community groups) is $4,000. Travel, lodging, and most meals are not included. Tuition is not eligible for a charitable tax deduction.
We believe that the impact this program will have on leaders and their organizations is worth the investment of your time, energy, and resources. However, we don’t want costs to be a barrier, so tuition is available at four tiers:
Employer-Supported Registration
$4,000, recommended or those receiving tuition support from a large or for-profit employer
Nonprofit-Supported Registration
$3,000, recommended for those receiving tuition support from a non-profit employer
Self-Supported Registration
$2,000, recommended for participants relying solely on personal funds
Clergy Registration
$1,000, for clergy and church staff relying on personal funds
If you are accepted in the program, a $300 tuition deposit is due upon enrollment. You may pay the remainder of your tuition in one payment, or you can elect to pay in four equal installments due August 15, October 15, January 15, and March 15. Previous participants have found that paying in these installments allows them to use professional development funds from two calendar years.
Travel and Lodging
Participants are responsible for booking their own travel and lodging for the 3 multi-day learning modules. Each of those 3 cohort gatherings are held either on-site at The Seattle School (2501 Elliott Avenue, Seattle, WA) or within driving distance of downtown Seattle. We will help facilitate carpool options for off-site events.
Non-Discrimination Policy
We are committed to diversity in every sphere of faith and life. We receive applications without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual identity, sexual orientation, military status, or denomination.