Over the last few decades, religion and spirituality in America has undergone a radical change. As more and more people identify as “spiritual but not religious” or “none,” traditional communities of faith are finding it harder and harder to attract new people. At the same time, innovative forms of religious communities are exploring new and exciting ways to reach out into the world. In spite of the differences between the two approaches—traditional or innovative—both kinds of communities strive to offer the same thing: spiritually deepening connections to the self, others, creation, and the Holy.
The work is rich and rewarding, though it isn’t always easy. Which is why nurturing your own spiritual life is a top priority. 
This one-week contemplative retreat—designed for clergy, religious professionals, and lay leaders—will give you the opportunity to do just that. Together, we will explore how the art and practice of spiritual direction can help you faithfully attend to the spiritual lives of others in your community of faith while staying grounded in your own relationship to the source of your being.
The retreat is open to clergy, religious professionals (religious educators, music directors, membership professionals, directors of congregational life), congregational lay leaders, and individuals engaged in innovative ministries beyond congregational walls. Denominational and middle judicatory officials and spiritual directors who share their ministry of presence with a congregation are welcome as well.
Built on the foundation of spiritual direction/guidance/companioning, the retreat emphasizes bringing the benefits of the practice into three spheres: your personal spiritual life, the life of your faith community, and the wider world. Each day the retreat, you’ll learn to integrate the art and practice of spiritual direction into your life and ministry through a daily routine of contemplative worship, engagement with the history and practice of spiritual direction, opportunities to participate in individual and group spiritual direction, and time for reflection—both individually and in community.
Over the course of the retreat, we will pay special attention to four main areas:
- What is spiritual direction/guidance/companioning?
- Small group spiritual direction
- The training and supervision of leaders in your community, and
- Justice as a spiritual path.
Spiritual Leadership in Communities of Faith: A Contemplative Retreat begins with and ingathering and dinner at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 8, and ends with lunch at 12:30 pm on Thursday, August 13. Each day will be built around an intentional pattern of theory, practice, and reflection. Mornings will begin with a contemplative worship experience that will lead into a didactic session on some aspect of spiritual direction. Afternoons will offer the opportunity to practice—in dyads and small groups—what we’ve learned that day. And each evening will conclude with time for individual and group reflection, followed by a closing contemplative worship.
There will be plenty of time between sessions to refresh, reconnect, and find time for reflection in the peaceful surroundings of the Transfiguration Spirituality Center. Retreat faculty will be available throughout the week for one-with-one conversations.
The program is limited to 15 persons. In order to achieve a balance of roles, registration will be capped at 5 clergy, 5 religious professionals, and 5 lay leaders. The annual cost is $1750. Scholarships are available. We will attempt to make certain that persons who are called to this program are able to afford it. Payment schedules can be arranged.
Spiritual Leadership in Communities of Faith: A Contemplative Retreat is co-sponsored by the Center for Congregational Spirituality and the MidAmerica, Central East, and Southern Regions of the UUA.
Center for Congregational Spirituality 