Yoga is an ancient practice that pre-dates the birth of Christ, but its integration of healthy body, spirit and mind has great appeal for modern Christians and other people of faith. To teach people who want the benefits of yoga grounded in religious tradition and thought, yoga instructors need a solid theological foundation.
To that end, Christian Theological Seminary continues to offer a course of study in Yoga, Spirituality and Wellness. It offers three options for people interested in yoga and spirituality: a single course in yoga and wellness; three courses that allow individuals to become registered yoga teachers through the Yoga Alliance; and a Graduate Certificate in Yoga, Spirituality and Wellness (6 courses). The first course start in January 2018.
Two instructors are teaching in the program:
- Dr. Helene T. Russell, CTS Associate Professor of Theology and a yoga teacher (E-RYT 500). She most recently completed training in Viniyoga as well as an emphasis on yoga and trauma. At CTS, she teaches classes in theology including interfaith dialogue and church planting.
- Christine Yovanovich (E-RYT 500) began formal yogic studies in 2003 and is the owner of Indiana Yoga Studio in Lebanon, Indiana. She also leads annual trips to Costa Rica with the Peace through Yoga Foundation.
The single course in yoga and wellness is ideal for individuals seeking to learn how the spiritual aspects of yoga can strengthen one’s Christian faith and deepen the spiritual dimensions of one’s yoga practice.
It is open to the public and meets on Tuesdays 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., January 23, 2018- May 8, 2017 (no class March 27) People taking the course for credit that could be applied to a degree at CTS later will pay just $1065 for the three-credit course; those not seeking credit will pay just $533. Email register@cts.edu to register.
Students explore the theory and practices of yoga including asana (postures and movements), pranayama (breath control and energy modulation), meditation, prayer, and ethics, while learning how yoga can enhance their faith.
For students wishing to continue to deepen their practice and receive a teacher training credential, this course also serves as the prerequisite for Advanced Summer and Fall courses.
CTS also offers a series of three classes that train individuals to become yoga teachers registered with the Yoga Alliance, a nonprofit organization that credentials yoga teachers and schools. This three-course pathway is ideal for people seeking to meld yoga with Christian wellness and formation and share its teachings with others. The Yoga Alliance registration requires 200 hours of training in yoga, including asana, pranayama, meditation, and building effective and safe sequencing for personal and teaching practices. These classes meet that 200-hour requirement. Individuals choosing this pathway will take the courses for credit and pay $1065 per class. People who register and pay for all three courses at once will pay just $2850, a savings of $345, and lock in that rate against any future tuition increases.
For people who want the official credential of a graduate certification, CTS also offers a Certification in Yoga, Spirituality and Wellness. A certification demonstrates that a student has completed a rigorous course of study offered by a recognized institution. To earn the Certification in Yoga, Spirituality and Wellness at CTS, individuals must successfully complete six courses (18 credit hours), including two Gateway courses, which are foundational courses for our ministry degree programs; three yoga teacher training courses; and one elective that supports the Yoga, Spirituality and Wellness concentration.
This six-course pathway is an in-depth study of Christian and other religious teachings plus yoga practices and is ideal for individuals interested in health and wellness ministries. Individuals choosing this pathway will take the courses for credit and pay just $1065 per class. Certification students must be approved to participate by the Dean of Faculty.
Class registration information available here. Contact the CTS Office of Admissions at 800-585-0117 with any questions.
Please note that tuition costs quoted above are for the 2017-2018 academic year. Rates may be adjusted for future years
