Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership: Going Deeper
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An Ecumenical Program to Nurture the Spiritual Heart and Leadership of Clergy in Congregations
The Shalem Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership Program provides a dedicated time for clergy to nurture their own souls and to deepen their contemplative orientation as congregational spiritual leaders. A contemplative attitude encourages openness to God's grace in the changing situations of life and, where called for, freedom to embrace both personal and collective risk-taking. It provides a spiritual foundation for authentic vision and action. This 16-month program draws on Shalem's understanding gained in over thirty years of providing depth and breadth of contemplative learning experiences and in-depth support.
"I have not changed so much as become more deeply and genuinely myself, in relationship to God, in my vocation and in my relationship to my work in the congregation."
Elaine Dent
Class of 2003
This Program is for clergy who serve on the staffs of local churches or whose ministry involves the local church and who:
- Desire a deeper grounding of their personal spiritual lives;
- Seek authentic spiritual community with other spiritually open clergy;
- Value collaboration with laity in nurturing the spiritual heart and vision of the congregation;
- Hold a vision of the church as one of the most life-giving forces in this time of cultural transition; and
- Are eager to learn within a broad ecumenical Christian framework.
In a spacious, prayer-filled, collegial atmosphere, individuals will have an opportunity to deepen their appreciation of the many ways God's Spirit is alive in them and their congregational life and leadership. Emphasis will be on an open, immediate presence to the Spirit, through all explorations in the program and in congregational leadership.
If you would like to apply for this program or need additional information, contact Kirstin Pickle the Program Registrar at 301-897-7334 x209 or download the application form (PDF) now.
Contemplative Leadership