Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats
Transforming Community Program
"The ultimate leader of the group is God's Holy Spirit blowing through us? If people come ready to be vulnerable to God's life in them and the world, if they desire more than fear God's call to deepening liberation, intimacy, and compassion then we can trust that grace will abound." -Tilden Edwards
"Participation in this program has been one of the most significant experiences in my spiritual journey and my pastoral ministry."
Dennis Adams
Class of 2005
Today people are increasingly seeking spiritual groups and retreats, searching for community, meaning and ways of touching the Living Presence of God. Shalem's Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats: Transforming Community Program is designed to equip, encourage and support those called to lead such groups and retreats.
This program provides resources for leadership of both short-and long-term contemplative groups and retreats and attracts a mix of men and women from a variety of professions and faith traditions. Shalem's Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program offers an ecumenical program combining extensive academic reading and reflection with experiential support. Its two residencies include seminars interwoven with participant-led prayer groups and retreat experience. The residencies provide opportunities for learning about contemplative leadership, forming spiritual community and experiencing God in prayer. Always, the focus is on deepening communion with God, contemplative awareness of God's presence, and an openness to the leadership of the Spirit.
In 1973, Shalem began with a particular kind of contemplative group, meeting weekly over many months. These groups were grounded in a careful rhythm of silence, small-group reflection, and guided plenary times. There was exposure to a number of different practices or "ways in" to becoming present for God with one's whole being. The practices involved senses, feelings, imaginations, minds, wills, and bodies as well as image-less, silent presence.
In 1987, a major program was developed for spiritual formation leaders, and this was the prototype for the current Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program. Some of Shalem's learnings about these groups and their leadership have been published in Tilden Edwards' Living in the Presence: Disciplines for the Spiritual Heart (HarperSanFrancisco 1987, 1995).
If you would like to apply for this program, contact Christine Jeffrey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it the Program Registrar at 301-897-7334 x209 or download the application form (PDF) now.