New spiritual practices micro-certificate for young adult leaders launches at Princeton Seminary

PRINCETON, New Jersey — A series of four new micro-courses invites young adults to engage in intentional spiritual practices spanning discernment, Sabbath, pilgrimage, and prayer to support their leadership, vocation, and spiritual well-being. 

Developed by Princeton Theological Seminary’s Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network, these four-to-six-week courses may be taken individually, but the full series is designed to form a Micro-Certificate in Spiritual Practices for Young Adult Leaders that helps those ages 23-32 navigate questions of calling, purpose, rest and faithful action. Each course is fully online, combining self-guided curriculum with facilitated small groups to foster authentic, discussion-based engagement. The first offering begins in October. A discount of more than $100 is available for bundling all four micro-certificate courses, and scholarships are available through an application.

“We know that spiritual practices contribute to young adults’ growth as Christians and as leaders,” said Polaris Director the Rev. Shari Oosting. “At this stage in their lives, they often feel pressured to choose a path professionally and personally — or question the one they’re on — which can be overwhelming. This is a chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with others who want to listen and faithfully respond to God's call in their lives.”

Learn more about the Spiritual Practices for Young Adult Leaders Micro-Certificate and register here.

Spiritual Practices for Young Adult Leaders Micro-Certificate Courses include:

• Pilgrimage Practices for Spiritual and Leadership Growth: 
  Six-week, online session runs Oct. 13 to Nov. 24, 2026, or March 23 to May 4, 2027. This micro-course introduces Christian leaders to the history and stages of pilgrimage from a Christian perspective, exploring how stages of pilgrimage fuel spiritual transformation. Learners will discover how the practice of pilgrimage can deepen their own faith formation and leadership development, walking away with practical tools and frameworks to apply in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. It is not required or expected that you have been on a pilgrimage to join.  Learn more and register here. 
• Sabbath Practices for Sustaining Leadership: Four-week, online session runs Nov. 1 to Nov. 27, 2026, or March 10 to April 7, 2027. In a culture of overwork, this micro-course offers a sacred pause. Through individual and communal Sabbath practices, including group liturgies, journaling, and curated readings, leaders learn to cultivate habits of wholeness that support lifelong leadership and prevent burnout. Learn more and register here.
• Christian Discernment Practices for Young Adults: Six-week, online session runs Jan. 14 to Feb. 18, 2027. Participants explore God's call in their lives and gain a spiritually grounded reflection toolkit in this vocational discernment micro-course. Together with other like-minded, spiritually curious young adults, participants explore their own stories and the process of navigating life decisions, while practicing gratitude, listening, story-sharing, and prayer. Learn more and register here.
• Prayer Practices for a Deeper Spiritual Life: 
  Five-week, online session runs Sept. 12 to Oct. 15, 2027. This micro-course is designed to help participants develop a deeper, more meaningful prayer life. Through guided contemplative practices, reflective exercises, engaging videos, group discussions and curated readings, participants explore diverse approaches to Christian prayer and discover practices to enrich their everyday spiritual lives. Learn more and register here. 

About the Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network 

Founded in 2023, the Polaris Young Adult Leadership Network is dedicated to amplifying and supporting the leadership of Christian young adults in all sectors of public life across the United States. A Lilly Endowment Inc. grant-funded initiative, Polaris offers online learning, events, resources, and a fellowship program for Christian young adults to help them discern their calling, empower their leadership in diverse contexts, and build community among a network of peers.