Level 1 – Introductory Workshop
For Those Who Want to Learn or Deepen the Practice of Group Spiritual Direction
Friday, January 22, 2021, 3:00 – 9:00 pm EST
Saturday, January 23, 12:00 – 5:30 pm EST
Sunday, January 24, 2021, 12:00 – 5:30 pm EST
Via Zoom
Audio and video connections are required to participate in this Zoom workshop.
Overview
Whether you are new to group spiritual direction, wish to explore it further, or are seeking support and guidance for forming a group, please consider joining us for this workshop.
• Experience group spiritual direction each day with an experienced facilitator.
• Deepen your contemplative grounding for this prayer practice through authentic sharing and faithful listening.
• Expand your capacity to listen to God on behalf of others.
• Find support for your call and explore ways to develop this ministry in your geographic area.
• Nurture trust and discover how this process can transform the world.
Participants will immerse themselves in our virtual spiritual community as they experience group spiritual direction and explore their own call to this ministry. Through live experiential learning, presentations, small group spiritual direction groups, and prayerful silence, participants will steep themselves in the contemplative grounding which is the heart of this ministry. Presentations will include an introduction to the practice of group spiritual direction, as well as the themes of prayerful listening, spiritual community, discernment and intercessory prayer. Each person will have the opportunity to experience and practice this listening/sharing process which aids depth, trust and healing.
This workshop will be offered live on Zoom with experienced staff present. The first part of our time each day will be in the full group with presentations from the staff and some experiential exercises. The second part will be in small listening groups facilitated by experienced staff members. The groups will follow the group spiritual direction process that we teach, which is based on the book Group Spiritual Direction, by Rose Mary Dougherty. All of this will be woven in prayer!
Because both the teaching and small groups are foundational to the group spiritual direction practice, it is essential that participants commit to participating fully in the entire workshop.
In preparation for this workshop, please consider preparing a quiet, private, sacred space in your home that will support your prayerful participation in this workshop.
Read an article from our Resources: Group Spiritual Direction: What is it?
Leaders
The core leaders of this workshop have each practiced and facilitated group spiritual direction for many years and enjoy sharing it with others!
Margaret Benefiel—Executive Director of Shalem, author, teacher, and retreat leader.
Anne Grizzle—author, spiritual director, social worker, retreat leader and a graduate of Shalem’s Facilitating Group Spiritual Direction Program.
Marlin Good—spiritual director, retreat leader and a member of Shalem’s group spiritual direction staff for the past five years.
Patience Robbins—spiritual director, prayer and retreat leader, Shalem adjunct staff member.
Nan Weir—prayer group and retreat leader, graduate of Shalem’s Facilitating Group Spiritual Direction Program.
The core leaders will be supported by additional experienced small group facilitators.