Retreats
Cohort 15 application process is open.
Inquire and apply now.
Because we know real growth happens slowly over time, each retreat invites you to engage in particular spiritual practices, giving you space over the quarter to practice what you learned at the retreat and integrate it into your life and leadership. Within a nurturing community of spiritual companions, you will have monthly practice/reading assignments to support your experimentation with the curriculum. SCROLL down to view curriculum, sample retreat format, costs, financial aid details, and application.
Tuition is $950 (value is $1500 per student).
Onboarding begins in June 2024. The first 2-day retreat begins July 29-30, 2024
Apply early and save money:
Extra early registration deadline: December 31, 2023 (save $150) = tuition $800
Early registration deadline: January 31, 2024 (save $100) = tuition $850
Regular registration deadline: April 30, 2024 = tuition $950
Late registration: May 1 and after = tuition $1,050
Applications will continue to be reviewed until the entering cohort is full.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
July 29-30 2024
October 28-29, 2024
January 27-28, 2025
April 28-29, 2025
June 2-3, 2025
2024 Fall Refresher
Alumni Retreat: October 7-8, 2024
2024 The Big Silence
A 4-day mostly silent retreat
Winter and summer retreats
Curriculum
CONTENT AND THEMES
Over the course of the year, students read books and articles, view life-changing documentaries, engage in and experiment with a variety of spiritual formation activities/practices, develop a spiritual community with a small group of co-learners, and experience 10 days of teaching and formational activities built around time-tested concepts that help us become more open, receptive, and responsive to God’s transforming grace and work in us.
SUMMER: Longing for More
A fresh encounter with God through Lectio Divina and Daily ExamenFALL: Leading from Within
Learning God’s Language through Silence, Solitude, and Simplicity
WINTER: Finding Grace at the Center
Centering Prayer • Welcoming Prayer • Active/Breath Prayer
SPRING: Cultivating Discernment
Ways of Recognizing and Responding to God’s VoiceCLOSING: Living in Rhythm
Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
Schedule
All retreats follow a similar format as outlined below. In between retreats, monthly practice assignments help you prepare and put into practice what you have learned. To further enhance your inner transformation, you are highly encouraged to reach out to one or more classmates via a monthly accountability relationship or spiritual director to nurture your covenant journey toward God. In a large group, small groups, and solitary times, this work is about being and becoming. Our aim is to provide a safe space that fosters listening to how God is calling, empowering, and leading you in your journey toward wholeness.
MONDAY / sample
12:45 pm — Arrival, check-in, refreshments / no lunch (Exception: First retreat begins at 10 am, lunch included)
1:00 pm — Welcome, Introductions, SESSION 1
2:00 pm — SESSION 2 (specific formational topic with helpful guidance for experiencing the spiritual practice, both personally and in community, with leadership applications)
2:30 pm — Break
2:45 pm — SESSION 3
4:00 pm — Trust Circles (spiritual direction groups of 5 with an experienced facilitator / remains the same)
6:00 pm — Re-gather to celebrate what has been given
6:30 pm — Dinner with guided group reflection
7:40 pm — Night Prayers
8:00 pm — Depart in silence
TUESDAY
Arrival in Silence by 8:45 am
9:00 am — Centering / Morning Worship
9:45 am — Break
10:00 am — SESSION 4
10:45 am — Reflection assignment to help solidify and integrate your learning
11:45 am — Re-gather to celebrate what has been given
12:00 pm — Lunch
1:00 pm — Trust Circle sharing on practice
2:00 pm — Break
2:15 pm — SESSION 5: Empowering Spiritual Leaders
3:15 pm — Closing Ritual and Departure
Cost
The tuition for School of the Spirit’s twelve-month online and in-person experience is only $950, which includes meals, refreshments, instructors, retreat facility, supplies, and so much more. The value is $1,500 per student, but generous financial support makes it possible to offer School of the Spirit at this reduced price. Travel, lodging, books, and non-refundable application administrative fee not included. Refer here for What is Provided.
Apply early and save money.
Extra early registration deadline: December 31, 2023 (save $150) = tuition $800
Early registration deadline: January 31, 2024 (save $100) = $850
Regular registration deadline: April 30, 2024 = $950
Late registration: May 1 and after = $1050
Financial Assistance
NOTE: If you are a WNCC United Methodist clergy, local pastor, or staff/lay ministry professional, this program qualifies for Spiritual Renewal Fund support. Reach out to Marsha Patton for grant application details (February 2024 cycle): MPatton@wnccumc.org. Further assistance is available. If you are currently in season of needing financial assistance, reach out to Don Carroll, carroll.williamdon@gmail.com, SOS Scholarship Fund Chair, to apply.
Application
School of the Spirit is designed for clergy/lay ministry professionals/nonprofit and business leaders who are profoundly dedicated to being formed by the Holy Spirit through practices that impact their lives and work in the world.
If you have a quest:
to move more deeply and intentionally into your own process of inner-transformation,
to be a part of a community of co-learners whose aim is to nurture that process,
to engage in quality materials and training intended to be passed on to others,
to commit to five quarterly retreats over a one-year time frame,
then participation in the School of the Spirit is for you!
