• Searching for the Divine Light

    I struggled with how to approach this talk of grief. I’m a stoic Norwegian and German Lutheran, so I am notoriously uncomfortable talking about my own grief or life obstacles. I’m sure some of you can relate. We find a myriad of ways to minimize our sadness. For example, it is an ironic act of…

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  • Taking Refuge

    What gets us through the tough times—times of tribulation and heartache? To what or whom do we flee for refuge? Many of us might answer that it is the support of family, friends, and our spiritual practices. We certainly need help right now—in this moment—whether we are trying to navigate the deep political chasm in…

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  • Contemplatives Build Bridges

    Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP By mid-December 2025, Minnesotans knew we were in for a rough winter.On January 7, 2026, our fears were realized and expanded when Renée Nicole Macklin Good was shot by a federal agent after saying directly to him, with a sincere smile on her face, ‘I’m not mad at you.’…

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  • “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

    Shalem Institute invites you into a new special limited series: “Contemplation in Troubled Times” Minnesota’s example of courage and nonviolent action in the face of oppression is something we continue to witness and be in solidarity with as best we are able. It also extends beyond Minnesota to our brothers and sisters across the U.S. and around…

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  • Open Hands, Willing Hearts – Interact

    Learn  –  Interact  –  People  –  Resources Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 Praying for each other in whatever way feels right to you is the most important part of this community. You may journal in any way you wish: in a notebook, using art, or by adding a thought, comment, or journal entry with the class. By…

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  • Contemplation Through Our Shared Humanity

    In these months of federal occupation in Minneapolis, as a person of faith and as a pastor, I have relearned that contemplation is connection – rather than, as I have sometimes been tempted in the past to believe, contemplation being withdrawal. Partly because of the unpredictability of each day during this stretch, contemplation for me…

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Mission

Our mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership.

Vision

In 2025, Shalem will be a dynamic and inclusive community, empowered by the Spirit, where seekers engage in transformation of themselves, their communities, and the world through spiritual growth, deep connection, and courageous action.

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