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

Details:

Cost: $995 for lodging, meals, all materials and copies of Steve and Fil’s books. Single participants may share rooms with someone of the same sex as there are more than one bed in each room.  Married couples will have a private room.  Couples: $1595.

“Early Bird” registration is $895 single/$1395 couple due by December 31, 2012.

Deposit: $250 due with registration for an individual and $500 due for a couple and balance due February 15, 2012.

Dates:  April 11-15, 2012.  Participants should arrive Sunday afternoon to settle in their rooms.  Please schedule your flight to depart no earlier than 3 pm on Sunday.  Before you book your flight, please talk with us:  719-264-8837