A Two-Year Experience of Spiritual Formation
for Leaders in Community
We believe people change incrementally...over time...with others...in the context of spiritual disciplines that open us to God.
A Transforming Community is a group of Christian leaders who commit themselves to eight quarterly retreats over a two year time frame. Each retreat includes substantive teaching on spiritual formation themes and practices, guided experiences with spiritual disciplines, and significant engagement in community with other leaders.
Based on the themes from Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Sacred Rhythms, and Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, by Ruth Haley Barton, our goal is to help you strengthen the soul of your leadership and to lead from your transforming self. The best thing you have to bring to leadership is your own transforming self!
Objectives:
- KNOWLEDGE - To establish a working knowledge of the process of spiritual transformation, spiritual community, and spiritual leadership.
- EXPERIENCE - To explore and experience spiritual practices in the context of community.
- TRANSFORMATION - To guide you in developing a personal rhythm of spiritual practices that is realistic and sustainable for your life in ministry (rule of life).
- COMMUNITY - To enter into an experience of transforming community at the leadership level that will equip you to lead others into community.
- SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND DISCERNMENT - To discern God's will in taking next steps to cultivate a community of spiritual transformation in your setting.
At the conclusion of the two year process a Certificate in Spiritual Transformation will be awarded to each participant who completes the following requirements: attendance and full engagement at all eight retreats, required readings and written reflections, participation in group spiritual direction while on retreat, During the Quarter guidance for practicing the spiritual disciplines in between retreats, and seeking out a spiritual director. CEUs are available at a slight additional cost. Click here for more details on the certificate program.
Click here to view a sample schedule of the Transforming Community Retreat.
Who: Pastors, clergy and senior leaders (elders, pastoral staff, board members) in churches and Christian organizations.
Cost: One-time $250 non-refundable registration fee and $495 per retreat -- Please note: a commitment to the Community is a commitment to pay for all retreats,
apart from actual attendance
Where: Chicago Area
Marytown and Cardinal Stritch Retreat Centers
Libertyville, IL
May 2010-March 2012
Eight Quarterly Retreats Dates & Themes:
Click on each retreat to view its schedule and topics
A Leader's Invitation to Spiritual Transformation
in Community
September 19-21, 2010
Encountering God in Solitude and Silence
November 14-16, 2010
Prayer: Deepening Our Intimacy with God
March 6-8, 2011
Engaging the Scriptures for Spiritual Transformation
June 5-7, 2011
Experiencing Transformation through Self-Knowledge and Self-Examination
September 11-13, 2011
Flesh and Blood Spirituality: Honoring the Body as a Spiritual Discipline
November 13-15, 2011
Discerning and Doing the Will of God: The Heart of Spiritual Leadership
March 4-6, 2012
A Rule of Life: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
Retreat Team:
Ruth Haley Barton -- Teacher and spiritual director
and Teaching Team
Rory Noland -- Worship Leader
and Worship Team
Cole Griffin -- Host
and Hospitality Team
Dalene Strieff -- Registrar
Click here to submit an application
Ask us about bringing the Transforming Community experience to your location.
The Transforming Center reserves the right to evaluate a participant's readiness to engage in the Transforming Community experience and to refuse admission on the basis of their evaluation.
