Embark on the Birch Pathway
The next step in your life journey Awaits
All information on this page refers to our 2024 Class offering, the Birch Pathway, which has officially closed for enrolment. Our next programme offering, beginning in autumn 2025, will be announced soon. At OneSpirit, our training is a live curriculum, meaning that each group of students actively shapes its direction. So while our next programme will differ from the one below, browsing through the Birch Pathway details will give you a glimpse into the essence of our ministry training.
We invite you on a journey of profound personal and spiritual discovery through our Spiritual Development and Ministry Training programme. With over 25 years of experience, this training is uniquely designed to address the dynamic challenges of our time, guiding individuals toward inner leadership and a deeper, more compassionate connection with themselves and others.
Our ‘pluralist’ approach welcomes all spiritual, personal, wisdom, and faith paths, along with the unique perspectives each brings. This is a space for open hearts and minds—where you can freely explore your beliefs without being told what to think. Here, self-reflection is encouraged as you deepen into your own spiritual path, whatever that may be.
This training is for those who feel called to contribute to the evolution of human consciousness, fostering love, compassion, and respect. Drawing on the wisdom of the world’s faith traditions, we explore spiritual accompaniment, sacred activism, ritual, and ceremony, supporting you as you cultivate inner peace and authentic leadership. If you feel ready to deepen your understanding of Self and Spirit—whatever this may mean to you—we welcome you with open arms to join us in this shared journey of exploration and growth.
- OUR VISION: A world in which humanity awakens in an inclusive, global spirituality that encompasses us all in a field of love and life.
- OUR MISSION: To work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation and peacemaking.
- OUR TOUCHSTONES: Inclusivity, compassion, authenticity, spiritual transformation.
JOIN A COMMUNITY OF OVER 1,000+
GROW YOUR UNIQUE & PERSONAL MINISTRY
ENGAGE IN A FULLY ONLINE TRAINING
KEY FEATURES OF THE BIRCH PATHWAY
We’re delighted to bring you The Birch Pathway for 2024. The Birch Pathway will be our second intentional offering of a fully online programme; nurturing dynamic self-reflection, cultivating empathic listening for personal and ministerial growth, exploring inclusive spiritual practices, and delving into the heart of community service.
The two-year journey will be delivered entirely online; weaving together live weekly webinars, resources in our bespoke online classroom, and a dedicated student communications platform, all with the intention of nurturing your development. You will learn what it really means to meet people where they are in sacred service, whatever form this may take for you. The outer and inner curriculum purposefully intertwine to guide you in intentionally shaping your ministry so you can be of service to your communities and the world.
THE FOUR OBJECTIVES
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
You will journey through the development of the whole self by an active inner exploration of what spirituality means to you, implementing physical and mental practices to dive ever deeper into your self-development.
DEEP EMPATHETIC LISTENING
Deep listening is central to our curriculum, enhancing your self-awareness, spiritual connection, and ability to appreciate global faiths and perspectives— crucial for personal growth and effective ministry outreach.
SELF-AWARENESS THROUGH SELF-REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
You will explore a range of self-reflective models and how
to implement these in your own practice to deepen
your self-awareness and personal growth.
YOUR PERSONAL MINISTRY
Integrating all the above, you will embark on an enquiry
into who, and what, the community is, exploring
the interconnectedness of all beings.
OUR CURRICULUM
Our curriculum is dynamic and ever-evolving, deeply experiential, and shaped by both the world and our students. Each year is unique, reflecting the changing times and the contributions of those in the programme.
Our approach goes beyond traditional learning, fostering a collaborative experience between students and tutors. Your personal experiences play a key role in shaping not only your journey but also the collective wisdom of your class. This living curriculum, focused on interfaith ministry, is structured around six interconnected strands over the two-year programme.
THE SIX STRANDS
FAITH PATHS & WORLDVIEWS
We explore core principles of the world’s religions faiths and spiritual traditions, cultivating respectful, hospitable attitudes to cultural and religious differences through empathy and an experiential willingness to ‘walk in the shoes of the other’; we practice empathy, and look to finding the common ground in the basic human capacity for love.
CEREMONY & RITUAL
We reflect on the power of ritual and ceremony at the heart of family, faith and community, as we journey through the stages of life and death. We focus particularly on sacred elements of ritual and on the major rites of passage around baby blessings, partnership or marriage blessings and funerals and how we bring our own creativity to these timeless expressions of humanity.
DEEP LISTENING SKILLS
We emphasise truly listening – a practice that involves not just our ears, but also our hearts. By understanding and acknowledging the experiences and viewpoints of others, we develop our ability to communicate with empathy. This deep listening fosters a personal connection that transcends words, opening a gateway for genuine understanding and dialogue.
MINISTRY OF SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Putting our deep listening skills into practice by offering support just like a trusted friend would do. We learn to be truly present for others, holding space for heartfelt conversations, and walking alongside them without judgment. Spiritual Accompaniment is an ancient tradition of ‘soul friendship’, in which we support another in exploring their own sense of meaning and purpose, awe and wonder, their experience of spirituality, of soulfulness, the great mystery of the Eternal, in whatever way supports them.
PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
We explore helpful models, theories and practices and encourage grounded, holistic forms of spiritual practice, including physical forms of energy and bodywork, which resource us in our self-development, nurturing and informing our self-care and self-awareness. A key aspect of this strand is the development of self-reflective practice, as we encourage reflecting on our own life experiences and the emotions tied to them.
SPIRITUAL & PASTORAL SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY
Born from a desire to bring people together after conflict, we work on ways to build peace within ourselves and our communities. We aim to contribute to a healthier society and a better planet by learning how to resolve conflict in a kind and inclusive manner.
 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Introduction Period: Students are required to attend one of the following events:
- October 15: 6 PM to 9 PM
- October 20: 3 PM to 6 PM
- October 22: 6 PM to 9 PM
Additionally, all students must participate on October 27 from 3 PM to 6 PM, marking the initial collective gathering of the group.
Future Sessions: Please note that all weekly webinars will be conducted on Zoom from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (London time) on the Tuesdays listed below.
- Gateway 1: November: 5, 12, 19, 26; December: 3, 10
- Gateway 2: January: 7, 14, 21, 28;Â February: 4, 11, 18
- Gateway 3: March: 4, 11, 18, 25;Â April: 1, 8
- Gateway 4: April 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27
- Gateway 5: June: 17, 24;Â July: 1, 8, 15, 22
CURRICULUM DELIVERY
Here you can find out more about what to expect from the way our curriculum is delivered. Our faculty teams draw on extensive experience in online facilitation to offer a deeply rich online experience. Simply click on the ‘arrow’ to learn more about each.
WEBINARS
Tuesday evenings will become dedicated to your weekly class webinars facilitated by your class tutors, as well as guest speakers. You can expect these to be deeply experiential in nature, with active participation and they are an essential part of the two year training.
STUDY GROUPS
You will be placed in a study group with your fellow peers to connect, support, and nourish each other. You will meet roughly every 4-6 weeks, joined by a member of your tutor team, with supporting guidance to direct your time together.
1 - 1 MEETINGS
You will be supported throughout the training through 1-1 meetings with your tutor team, reflecting together on your journey through the training. These meetings will take place roughly every 4-6 weeks.
ONLINE CLASSROOM
Our bespoke online classroom will nurture your independent learning. The resources we share with you in this space are a fundamental part of your journey. Each week, we will share new materials for you to engage with to prepare for your weekly webinar.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
During webinars, 1-1 spaces, and study groups you will notice the ways the sacred is invited into the seemingly every day. You are encouraged to maintain a daily spiritual practice that will support you in your ministry.
ONLINE COMMUNITY
The Birch Path will have a purpose-built and intentional online communications platform. All Birch students and tutors will be present in this space which we have found to be foundational in creating and maintaining an online community.
YOUR TRAINING COMMITMENT
Our two-year training is a profound commitment—both personally and with your time. It’s a deep, experiential journey of self-exploration, fostering a connection with yourself, others, the planet, and the sacred within and beyond. This path requires dedication and active participation. We seek individuals ready to serve, who see the divine in all beings and are committed to meeting people where they are, regardless of background. Whether your ministry is public-facing or private, the impact is immense.
You may have a clear vision of what your ministry might look like, or you might not be sure. You might be drawn to working in a public-facing role, or your ministry might be more private. Your Post-Training Opportunities are truly endless… as both expressions have a profound impact on the world around us. We are seeking mature adults, ready to take the next step in their own spiritual journey wherever they may be on that path. Our training requires an active presence in all spaces. We expect active engagement in our online webinars, commitment to reading online materials and dedication to maintaining the online community through our communications platform. We expect an active presence in webinars, engagement with course materials, and contributions to the online community. Daily spiritual practice is also essential. Please consider this seriously before embarking on this transformative journey.
ATTUNEMENT PERIOD
Our two-year Ministry Training is a demanding course that requires a high level of commitment. We know it can sometimes feel difficult to know if you’re ready for that next step in your journey, and you often won’t know if you can give the training the dedication both it and you deserve until it starts. This year we’re introducing a 3-month attunement period from the date the training starts in October 2024. During the first 3 months of the training, you will be in close conversation with your tutor team to ensure that the training is the right fit for you right now. These conversations will open up honest dialogue rooted in deep listening, to ensure there is mutual agreement that you are ready to walk this path. We hope introducing this will settle any jitters, and should you step away from the training within the attunement period, you will only pay for the training you have received to date (calculated on a pro-rata basis).
YOUR FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
At OneSpirit, we are committed to keeping our high-quality training affordable and accessible. As an educational charity, we work to maintain low fees without sacrificing the excellence of our curriculum.
We offer flexible payment options, including an extended plan that allows you to spread the cost over up to 60 months. Payments begin when you submit your Training Agreement, with the first instalment processed immediately. Alternatively, you can pay in two annual instalments: the first now, and the second in September 2025. For more details, visit our Training Investment page.
ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of our training programme, meticulously designed to support both new and prospective students through every step of their educational journey. Our guide serves as your beacon, offering illuminating insights and outlining the fundamental policies and procedures that underpin your success within our academic framework.
Dive into detailed segments such as the Year 1 and Year 2 Student Progress Reviews, which provide a structured overview of your developmental milestones, ensuring you remain on a steady path of progress. Privacy is paramount, and our Confidentiality Policy stands as a testament to our dedication to safeguarding your personal information, allowing you to learn in a secure environment. Encountering challenges is part of any worthwhile journey. Our Complaints Policy and the subsequent Student Appeals Policy & Procedure ensure that you have a clear, fair, and accessible process to seek resolutions, demonstrating our commitment to upholding a just and supportive educational atmosphere. Communication plays a pivotal role in the fabric of our training experience, and we have established protocols to guarantee that your voice is always heard, promoting an interactive and inclusive learning environment. Moreover, our Respect Policy underscores our dedication to fostering a harmonious academic community, underpinned by mutual respect and understanding.
Lastly, the Terms & Conditions of the Training lay down the foundational agreement that shapes our mutual commitment to your academic and professional development. Join us to navigate this rewarding journey, enveloped in the support, clarity, and respect you rightfully deserve. Explore the entire Student Resources page here.Â
WHO ARE ONESPIRIT STUDENTS?
I’m based in Sligo, in Ireland. I love to be in ceremony, in nature, in stitches laughing… even all three at once if possible. I felt called to [the training]. I feel strongly that people from my intersecting communities deserve to feel welcome and connected and accompanied in exploring what faith can be for them. I am autistic, trans, queer and highly creative, from an academic, scientifically-minded background, with my spiritual experiences woven through time spent in buddhist, shamanic and mystical Christian traditions. The idea of Interfaith ministry really appealed to me as a way to help me figure out what an alternative ministry, that is open to learning and connecting with multiple faith paths and cultures, might look like.
– Ben
I am a curious open-minded seeker of what it is to be a human. It’s been an internal journey of self-inquiry to explore the many layers of complexities & parts to discover what is my ‘true authentic self’. With much of this curiosity surrounding that which cannot be seen, or fully explained. Having undertaken a variety of spiritual training’s, together with a study of the psychological aspects of human development, I felt I wanted a platform from which they all could be somehow incorporated. On reading One Spirits Core Beliefs this resonated with an opportunity for me to delve deeper into my questioning & bring all these fragmented strands of my learning into one cohesive whole.
– Gina
I am 59 years old and live in the coastal town of Westport Mayo. I have always enjoyed serving my community, and am involved in many volunteer roles. I have always tried to live a meaningful life filled with purpose and service. I keep myself very fit and play golf, squash, and run. I enjoy connecting with other people, love playing music with friends and good food. [I have] a desire to serve my community in a deep and meaningful way.
– Tony
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT YOUR TUTOR
Annie’s own spiritual formation is lifelong and ‘out of the box’; she models an ‘interfaith’, or ‘inter-spiritual’ love of the way we touch and inspire one another, and how we can learn to appreciate one another and find a connection. Annie has a pluralist and non-proselytising approach to teaching, with an interest in how each participant brings a unique perspective which interweaves with the whole. Annie found a natural ‘connection’ from her youngest days in the wild and ancient places, with a particular affinity with trees, through spending much time outdoors, while brought up in a household where the Christian faith had a big influence for many generations. Annie’s exploration of world faiths began through school religious education lessons, realising that religions are related to one another, and are in communication with each other. The resonances and differences were a fascination! This and her own ‘alternative’ explorations and experiences in extra-sensory perceptions inspired her to immerse herself in beliefs of the world at the university level, which then deepened further through forming relationships with diverse people from different walks of life. Through this, Annie experienced a ‘wake up’ call to respecting the extraordinary lives people live and the ways a sense of meaning and love can sustain us through the most challenging situations. She has since found particular refuge in the Dharma and is a student of the Dao through her tai chi practice, a ‘grassroots mystic’ at heart.
Annie’s passion for experiential spirituality and soulful humanity has led her into diverse faith paths, spiritual traditions and cultural communities over the last three decades. Through study and relationships with friends, neighbours and colleagues, Annie has been touched by the privilege and challenge of being welcomed into others’ worlds. Annie shares this ongoing and self-reflective exploration in the Ministry training programme. Alongside her tutor role at OneSpirit, Annie is currently engaged in a ‘grassroots’ voluntary ministry in a local urban project, where she is the ‘garden chaplain’ of a therapeutic gardening project for vulnerable members of the local community. Annie is drawn to this ministry through her lifelong affinity with the natural world, nourished through her druidry practice. She finds particular meaning in empowering others to share in cherishing and regenerating green spaces, including improving the quality of life for all in urban environments. A favourite topic of conversation is the wonders and mysteries of her garden pond!
Annie is an experienced spiritual coach and qualified chaplain, with NHS training in mental health spiritual care in an interfaith context. She draws on a degree and MA from Cambridge University in Theology and Religious Studies and her professional formation as a teacher, undergirding her commitment to diversity and social justice issues of inner cities. Annie joined OneSpirit as a tutor in 2016. She enjoys working with classes in day workshops, residential and online contexts and is interested in how we form deep, mutually enriching connections through these different approaches. With a side-line in mural painting and a prolific writer, Annie has published numerous books and articles offering reflections and ceremony resources, particularly about key interests in the Feminine Divine, deep ecology and the mystical heart of sacred texts.
