Experiences, resources, and encouragement for those called to create and lead contemplative spiritual groups and retreats for personal and social transformation
Do you feel a nudge to create and lead contemplative spiritual groups and retreats?
Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats is designed to equip, encourage, and support those called to create and lead contemplative spiritual groups and retreats. Through experiential learning, seminars, reflection, and a sacred learning community, participants will expand their contemplative awareness of the Mystery of the One some name God and grow in their contemplative leadership.
Program Components
Transforming Community provides spiritual deepening and leadership preparation through online class and peer group sessions, at-home work, and an eight-day residency at a retreat & conference center in the Baltimore/Washington area.
At-Home and Online Components:
- Reading and engagement with selected texts and resources
- Participation in online Class and Peer Group sessions
- Creation and facilitation of a six-week contemplative spiritual group with a short opening retreat in one’s home community
- Participation in a two-night organized silent retreat of the associate’s choice
- Preparation of two spiritual practice sessions to be led with one’s Peer Group at the residency and at an online Peer Group session
- Four short reflection papers responding to specific program components
- A final integrative paper focused on the design of a contemplative spiritual group or retreat
- A personal spiritual practice, as well as regular meetings with a Spiritual Director/Guide/Companion.
Residency Components:
Residencies enjoy a daily rhythm of prayer, practice, learning, reflection, rest and renewal, including:
- Topical Seminars
- Grounding in a variety of spiritual practices
- Opportunities for reflection and sharing
- A guided silent retreat
- Leadership in a small group setting
Seminar Themes and Practices:
- Grounding and Intention of Contemplative Spiritual Practices
- Radical Presence and Identity
- Contemplative Leadership
- Creating and Facilitating Contemplative Groups and Retreats
- Contemplation and Sacred Activism
- Unity in Diversity
- Discernment in Leadership
- Dynamics and Challenges in Groups
- Sound & Silence
- Embodiment
- Creativity
- Sacred Text
- External Images
- Interfaith Practices
A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon completion of all program requirements.