The formation pathway

The medicine does
not replace the work.

A progressive path of sacred education, discernment, ethical participation, and service. Depth is expressed through how we live and how we care for others.

Learn. Embody. Serve.

Six stages.
A lifelong practice.

Formation begins with honest questions and grows through demonstrated responsibility. Each stage brings greater attention to readiness, consent, boundaries, and the appropriate use of trust.

Explore the pathway below. Contact The Sanctuary Church for current course availability, delivery format, prerequisites, and contribution information.

01Before the MedicineFoundations for sincere seekers

Begin with a broad, medicine-agnostic foundation in reverence, expectations, risk awareness, and personal responsibility.

  • Readiness, set, setting, and support
  • Consent, boundaries, and sovereignty
  • Discernment and a personal readiness covenant
02Enter with ReverencePrepared Participant

Build a thoughtful preparation plan that connects intention with honest limits, consent, logistics, and support.

  • Preparation and expectations
  • Questions to ask of facilitators and settings
  • A personal support and integration plan
03Return with ResponsibilityExperienced Participant

Deepen discernment and bring what you have learned into your relationships, routines, and commitments.

  • Relational responsibility and accountability
  • Grounding and continued reflection
  • Integration through embodied action
04Steward FormationService with clear boundaries

Develop the presence and practical judgment needed to support a community within a defined role.

  • Service, observation, and confidentiality
  • Logistics, communication, and escalation
  • Boundaries and appropriate use of responsibility
05Guardian FormationProtective leadership

Explore the responsibilities of leadership: consent, sound judgment, safeguarding, ethical conduct, and supervised competency.

  • Protective presence and ethical leadership
  • Safeguarding systems and emergency readiness
  • Supervision, assessment, and accountability
06The Path of Sacred StewardshipContinuing formation

Carry formation forward through continued practice, humility, service, and review.

  • Sustained practice and community responsibility
  • Reflection, feedback, and repair
  • Ongoing learning and stewardship
About completion and advancement

These are religious and educational offerings of The Sanctuary Church. External accreditation is not represented as awarded. Course completion does not by itself confer clinical licensure, appointment as a Guardian, or authorization to administer a sacrament. Service roles require separate review and approval.

Start with foundations

Education is an act
of care.

Your first step can simply be learning.

The foundational course is designed to help people ask better questions, recognize boundaries, understand risk, and make their own informed decisions. You do not need to commit to ceremony to begin a conversation about education.

Ask about the formation pathway