# YogaFaith — Comprehensive FAQ > Jesus First. Yoga Second. Family Always. > Built for yogafaith.org — Christian yoga teacher training & certification. --- ## FAQPage JSON-LD Schema Paste this ` ``` --- ## Section 1 — General FAQs **Q: What is Christian yoga?** Christian yoga is the practice of movement, breath, meditation, and stillness offered as worship to Jesus Christ rather than rooted in Eastern spirituality. At YogaFaith, every posture, breath, and meditation is taught through a biblical lens — reclaiming the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and movement as whole-body prayer. **Q: What is YogaFaith?** YogaFaith is the world's first and only Christian Yoga School dually accredited by Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Founded in 2013 by Michelle Thielen, we train teachers and yoga therapists to yoke their faith to their yoga practice — Jesus First, Yoga Second — within a global eternal family. **Q: Is yoga okay for Christians?** Yes. Scripture calls us to worship God with body, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). YogaFaith redeems movement, breath, and stillness as biblical gifts — never emptying the mind, but filling it with God's Word. We don't practice Eastern spirituality, get deep into chakra theology, or energy work; Christ and the Word of God are the center of everything we do. **Q: How is YogaFaith different from secular yoga teacher training?** Secular training teaches yoga through Eastern philosophy; YogaFaith teaches it through Scripture and Christian Theology. We are the only IAYT-accredited Christian yoga therapy school in the world, prioritizing transformation over information. Graduates aren't simply credentialed and released — they're equipped, anointed, and sent out to spread the gospel on their yoga mat and beyond. **Q: Who is YogaFaith for?** YogaFaith is for anyone called to yoke faith and movement — pastors, ministry leaders, yoga teachers, counselors, chaplains, and wellness professionals. Many students are women entering a new season of life who sense God calling them to serve others through embodied worship. No prior yoga experience is required for most entry-level trainings. **Q: Do I need prior yoga experience to enroll?** Not at all. Our 100-hour, 200-hour, and all specialty trainings have no prerequisites. We welcome complete beginners as well as advanced practitioners. Physical limitations are welcome too — faith is the only prerequisite. The 300/500-hour and 800-hour programs require a prior 200-hour certification (or equivalent), which can sometimes be completed concurrently. **Q: Is YogaFaith accredited?** Yes. YogaFaith is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance and is accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) — the only Christian yoga therapy school in the world to hold IAYT accreditation. We are also a Master School with The Christian Yoga Association, with CECs recognized by ACE, NASM, and others. **Q: What certifications can I earn with YogaFaith?** YogaFaith offers four core levels — 100-hour, 200-hour, 300/500-hour Master Trainer, and 800-hour IAYT Yoga Therapy — plus specialty trainings in trauma-sensitive yoga, restorative, Yin, sound therapy, meditation, sea therapy, and more. Graduates are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance, IAYT, and the Christian Yoga Association where applicable. **Q: Are courses online, in-person, or both?** Both. Most YogaFaith programs use a hybrid model — self-paced online modules plus live sessions, with in-person Live Miracle Immersions for certain levels. The 100-hour is fully online and self-paced. The 200-hour and 300/500-hour let you choose online-only or online plus an in-person immersion. **Q: How much does YogaFaith certification cost?** Pricing spans every calling and budget: the 100-hour starts at $999; the 200-hour Miracle Immersion is $2,499–$2,999 (bundle the 100-hour modules with immersion for $2,999); the 300/500-hour Master Immersion is $2,699–$2,999 pay-in-full ($4,299 for the immersion-plus-modules bundle); and the 800-hour IAYT Yoga Therapy program is $14,688 for all three levels. Payment plans are available. **Q: Do you offer payment plans?** Yes — we never want investment to stand between you and what the Lord has called you to. Most programs offer pay-in-full discounts or installment options, and the 800-hour Yoga Therapy program offers 12- and 24-month no-interest payment plans. Custom plans are available on request; contact derek@yogafaith.org to find the right fit for you and your budget. **Q: Are scholarships, financial aid, or military discounts available?** Yes. YogaFaith offers the MyCCA Military Spousal Scholarship for military spouses and a limited number of additional scholarship opportunities. We also offer a 10% military discount to all active and retired military and their spouses. Email teachertraining@yogafaith.org to ask about current scholarship availability and eligibility. **Q: How long does it take to complete a YogaFaith program?** It depends on the level. Most students finish the 100-hour and 200-hour programs in three to six months working at their own pace. The 300/500-hour Master typically takes about twelve months, and the 800-hour IAYT Yoga Therapy program is completed over two to two-and-a-half years. **Q: Will I be certified to teach after training?** Yes. Upon completing all modules, assessments, and requirements, you'll receive your YogaFaith certification and be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance and the Christian Yoga Association where applicable. Graduates are commissioned to teach in churches, studios, gyms, hospitals, and online — and may also teach traditional yoga classes. **Q: I'm a pastor or Christian unsure about yoga — can I talk to someone?** Absolutely; we love these conversations. Michelle Thielen has written and spoken extensively on the biblical foundations of Christ-centered yoga and how YogaFaith differs from traditional or secular practices. Read "The Christian Yoga Myth" at yogafaith.org, or email derek@yogafaith.org to set up a time to discuss in detail. --- ## Section 2.1 — 100-Hour Online Training (R-YFT-100) **Q: What's included in the 100-hour training?** The 100-hour online training includes a full curriculum rooted in Scripture, biblical meditation, and Spirit-led movement, five self-paced modules, postures taught in English through a Christ-centered lens, two-year full access to each course, lifetime access to the YogaFaith family, the monthly First Thursday call, and ongoing discipleship, mentoring, and coaching. **Q: How long does the 100-hour take?** The 100-hour is fully online and self-paced — start anywhere, anytime, and move at your own rhythm. Most students complete it within three to six months, though there's no pressure. You'll have two-year access to the online platform to revisit lectures and materials anytime. **Q: How much does the 100-hour cost?** The 100-hour training is $999 as a bundle or $1,475 for individual modules — the most accessible entry point into YogaFaith certification. Payment options are available; contact derek@yogafaith.org to set up a plan that fits your budget. **Q: What are the prerequisites for the 100-hour?** None. The 100-hour is open to everyone — complete beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. No prior yoga experience or teaching background is required. It's also ideal for those who already hold a traditional 200-hour certification and want to add YogaFaith's Christ-centered foundation. **Q: Who is the 100-hour designed for?** The 100-hour is for the beginner curious about Christ-centered yoga, the seasoned yogi who wants a biblical foundation, and the practitioner not yet ready for the full immersion. If you sense God stirring something in you and want to explore it, this is a great entry point. **Q: What certification do I receive?** Upon completion you will earn a YogaFaith 100-hour certification (R-YFT-100), establishing your foundation in Christ-centered yoga, biblical movement, and whole-body prayer. It's the gateway credential that grounds you in YogaFaith's curriculum and prepares you for the 200-hour training, YogaFaith Specialty Trainings, and beyond. **Q: How does it connect to the 200-hour course?** The 100-hour course is the first portion of the 200-hour training certification. Once you complete your five modules, you can add either a live or virtual on-demand 200-hour Miracle Immersion. For best results we recommend completing the 100-hour modules and the immersion in the same year. Order doesn't matter — select the immersion that works best for you. **Q: What are the career or ministry outcomes?** The 100-hour equips you to integrate Christ-centered yoga into your personal practice and informal ministry — leading family, small groups, or church settings in postures of prayer. For formal teaching credentials and Yoga Alliance eligibility, graduates typically continue into the 200-hour Teacher Training, which opens doors throughout the yoga community, including teaching at local studios. --- ## Section 2.2 — 200-Hour Miracle Immersion (R-YFT-200) **Q: What's included in the 200-hour teacher training?** The 200-hour includes the full Yoga Alliance–registered curriculum rooted in Scripture, the online modules plus a live or virtual Miracle Immersion, trauma-sensitive yoga foundations, an anointing and commissioning ceremony, and lifetime access to the YogaFaith family including the monthly First Thursday call. Ongoing discipleship and mentoring are available through YogaFaith University. **Q: How long does the 200-hour take?** The 200-hour combines self-paced (100-hour) online modules with a Miracle Immersion you can attend live in person or do virtually. Most students complete the program within three to six months. You'll receive two-year access to the online platform to revisit materials throughout your teaching journey. **Q: How much does the 200-hour cost?** The 200-hour Miracle Immersion with the modules is $3,174 priced individually, or $2,999 if you bundle the 100-hour modules with any live immersion. The 100-hour certification is included if you complete the first five modules. Payment plans are available — reach out to derek@yogafaith.org. **Q: What are the prerequisites for the 200-hour?** None. The 200-hour requires no prior yoga teaching experience, and physical limitations are warmly welcomed — Christian faith is the only prerequisite. It's open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. **Q: Who is the 200-hour designed for?** The 200-hour is for the men and women who have felt God on the mat and can't stop thinking about the people they feel called to serve. It's for anyone ready to teach Christ-centered yoga in their church, studio, or community — and who longs to be equipped, anointed, and sent out to teach, serve, and shepherd others. **Q: What certification do I receive?** You will earn a YogaFaith 200-hour certification (R-YFT-200) and become eligible to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance and with the Christian Yoga Association. At graduation you're anointed and commissioned to teach YogaFaith in your community and beyond. All YogaFaith graduates receive a free listing on the YogaFaith website. **Q: How does it connect to the next level (300/500)?** The 200-hour is the foundation for everything that follows. It's the prerequisite for the 300/500-hour Master Immersion and the 800-hour IAYT Yoga Therapy program. Many graduates also add specialty certifications — trauma-sensitive, restorative, Yin, or sound therapy — to expand their knowledge base and ministry offerings. **Q: What are the career or ministry outcomes?** Graduates are commissioned to teach YogaFaith in churches, studios, gyms, recovery centers, online, and may also teach traditional yoga. With trauma-sensitive foundations built in, many go on to serve survivors of trafficking, addiction, abuse, and grief — becoming a light to the marginalized in their communities. --- ## Section 2.3 — 300/500-Hour Master Immersion (R-YFMT-500) **Q: What's included in the Master Immersion?** The Master Immersion includes 300 hours of advanced curriculum completing your Yoga Alliance 500-hour designation. It comprises four online Master Modules with over 200 hours of content, deepened theological and trauma-informed study, Spirit-led teaching methodology, advanced sequencing, continued discipleship within the YogaFaith family, and a Yoga Therapy Level One designation upon completion. **Q: How long does the Master program take?** Building on your 200-hour foundation, the Master program pairs four advanced online modules with a week-long in-person or on-demand virtual immersion. Most students complete the program within 6–12 months. You can choose an online-only path or online plus an in-person immersion. **Q: How much does the 300/500-hour cost?** The 300/500-hour Master Immersion is $4,299 as the full bundle, $2,999 immersion-only, or $2,699 pay-in-full. The modules are $549 each ($2,199 individually) or $1,699 as a bundle. Payment plans are available — contact derek@yogafaith.org. **Q: What are the prerequisites for the 300/500-hour Master program?** A 200-hour teacher training (YogaFaith or equivalent meeting Yoga Alliance 500-hour requirements) is required. One year of teaching experience is recommended but not required. **Q: Who is the 300/500-hour Master program designed for?** The Master Immersion is for the 200-hour graduate who feels the call to expand into clinical settings, leadership, specialized ministry, or mentoring. If you're ready to deepen your theology, refine your teaching, and prepare for hospital, higher-education, recovery, trauma-informed, or mental-health services, this is your next step. **Q: What certification do I receive?** Upon completion you will earn 500-hour status (R-YFMT-500) and a Yoga Therapy Level One designation. You're eligible to register as a 500-RYT with Yoga Alliance and with the Christian Yoga Association. **Q: How does it connect to the next level (Yoga Therapy)?** The Master program is Level One (300 hours) of the 800-hour IAYT Yoga Therapy pathway. Completing it makes you eligible to continue toward the C-IAYT credential — the highest standard in the industry. The required Ancient Paths / World Religions course must also be completed. **Q: What are the career or ministry outcomes?** Master graduates are prepared to serve in hospitals, recovery centers, military bases, mental-health facilities, and clinical settings, and to lead and mentor other teachers. Many step into deeper ministry roles or continue toward becoming a Certified Yoga Therapist serving at institutions such as the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics. --- ## Section 2.4 — 800-Hour IAYT Yoga Therapy Program (C-IAYT) **Q: What's included in the 800-hour Yoga Therapy program?** The 800-hour program includes an IAYT-accredited curriculum led by C-IAYT faculty, three progressive levels, clinical training rooted in Scripture and trauma-sensitive methodology, preparation for the C-IAYT credential, and faculty mentorship from leaders who serve at the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics. **Q: How long does the 800-hour take?** The 800-hour Yoga Therapy program is completed over two to two-and-a-half years across three levels: Level 1 (300 hours), Level 2 (300 hours), and Level 3 (200 hours). It's primarily online, with the only live component being the Master Immersion (Level 1). A graduation retreat may be held in person, typically in the Pacific Northwest. **Q: How much does the 800-hour cost?** Full tuition for all three levels is $14,688, with a 10% discount when you pay in full. Tuition doesn't include textbooks, travel, or lodging for immersions. Payment plans, including 12- and 24-month options, are available. Contact derek@yogafaith.org. **Q: What are the prerequisites for the 800-hour?** A 200-hour teacher training (or equivalent), one year of teaching experience, and one year of personal practice are required, and may be completed concurrently. The YogaFaith World Religions course (YF-CWR) is also required and must be finished by the end of the program. **Q: Who is the 800-hour designed for?** The 800-hour is for serious practitioners and ministry leaders called to therapeutic, clinical, or institutional work — in hospitals, hospice, addiction recovery, trauma aftercare, and mental-health settings. It's for the men and women who know their scars are credentials and are ready to formalize that calling into a life of purpose. **Q: What certification do I receive?** Graduates are prepared and eligible to apply for the Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) credential — the gold standard in the industry, recognized in clinical settings worldwide. You are also eligible to register with the Christian Yoga Association. The optional 1,000-hour YogaFaith Yoga Therapy diploma requires an additional 200 hours of specialty electives. **Q: How does it connect to the next level?** The 800-hour Yoga Therapy Certification is YogaFaith's highest certification. From here, graduates continue within YogaFaith University for lifelong coaching and may add specialty certifications toward the 1,000-hour diploma. Many become faculty, mentors, and leaders raising up the next generation. **Q: What are the career or ministry outcomes?** As a Certified Yoga Therapist, you're equipped to serve in clinical and institutional settings worldwide — hospitals, hospice, recovery centers, trauma aftercare, and mental-health facilities. YogaFaith alumni serve at institutions including the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, bringing whole-person, Christ-centered care to the most respected medical institutions in the world. --- ## Contact & Enrollment | Purpose | Contact | |---|---| | Enrollment, tuition, payment plans, scholarships | Derek Thielen — derek@yogafaith.org — (360) 521-0963 — Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM Pacific | | General inquiries | teachertraining@yogafaith.org | | Speaking / media | michelle@yogafaith.org | | Website | https://yogafaith.org | | Terms & refund policy | https://yogafaith.org/terms-and-conditions/ | Ready to begin? Explore an upcoming training at [yogafaith.org](https://yogafaith.org). *Jesus First. Yoga Second. Family Always.*