The School of Spiritual Formation
and the Care of the Soul
October 12-17, 2010
The School of Spiritual Formation and the Care of the Soul (SSFCS) is designed for individuals who seek spiritual growth, understanding, opportunities to learn and practice their faith in a retreat setting. The SSFCS is designed for pastors, missionaries, laity and leaders in churches and Christian organizations who are seeking more knowledge, training and experience in the areas of spiritual formation and soul care. It is our desire that participants take “home” what they have learned and experienced in order to implement their new insights within their local faith communities.
Participants will live in a community that is devoted to study, experiential learning, prayer, solitude, rest, meditation on scripture and wonderful meal times where lingering conversations are encouraged! The rhythm of each day will be spaciously designed for lively discussions, thoughtful teaching and quiet reflection and study. Each participant will be given the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a spiritual director in the afternoons.
The Topics to be explored are:
- What is spiritual formation and how does it occur
- Exploring Our Personal Story of Spiritual Formation
- What is the soul and how do we care for it?
- How does marring, failure and wounding shape the soul?
- Recognizing Spiritual Disciplines as Soul Exercises
- The Practice of Silence and Solitude
- The Practice of Spiritual Reading and Journaling
- The Practice of Sabbath Keeping
- The Practice of Worshiping God
- A Rule of Life: Developing a personal rhythm of spiritual practices that is realistic and sustainable for your life.
- How the Care of the Soul compels others to live in the presence of God
- Implementing the Values of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care into your own life and personal setting.
- The Church and Spiritual Formation and the Care of the Soul.
Costs, Dates, and Locations