**The 2023-2025 Cohort will begin accepting applications February 1, 2023. **

FORMATIO: the art of spiritual formation

Program Overview:

A two-year journey in Christian spiritual formation for personal life and ministry. Formatio walks participants through their own experience of spiritual formation, a deepening understanding of the transformation process, and implications for engaging others – both individually and groups. Formatio is for those who have a desire to walk with and learn how to lead others through their own experience of spiritual formation. The primary skill we explore is listening. David Augsberger, a Mennonite pastor, said: “Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference.”

For those who have a desire to walk with others in their spiritual journey, we have to learn to be attentive to our own spiritual journey. As we learn to attend to our own souls we grow in the ability to lead others on their own journey. Walking with others in spiritual formation is more than just a set of learned skills, it is a “way of being” in our own lives. Throughout the history of the church, the care of souls has been the focus of our common life. Gregory the Great said, “The care of souls is the art of arts.”

Who is this for?

Pastors, ministry leaders, spiritual leaders (both laity and clergy), small group leaders, house church leaders/pastors. If you have hit a wall and are experiencing the desire for deepening in your own life, Formatio is for you. If you desire to grow in your ability to companion others in their formation, Formatio will walk you through a process that can inform your ministry.

The Formatio two-year journey will consist of 6 three-day/two-night retreats starting in Fall 2023. Participants will be a part of a cohort and work with a coach (both individually and in a group) over the two years. Cohort size will range from 12-20.

Additional elements: monthly coaching group and individual coaching throughout the program; light reading and reflection assignments monthly; offering a ministry of listening to others in year two.

Retreat dates

  • September 21- 23, 2023 @Spirit in the Desert – Carefree, AZ (all meals & overnight accommodations included)
  • January 18-20, 2024 @Redemptorist Renewal Center – Tucson, AZ (all meals & overnight accommodations included)
  • April 4-6, 2024 @Franciscan Renewal Center – Scottsdale, AZ (all meals & overnight accommodations included)
  • Summer 2024 (personal retreat – scheduled by participant)
  • September 5-7, 2024 @Franciscan Renewal Center – Scottsdale, AZ (all meals & overnight accommodations included)
  • January 16-18, 2025  @Redemptorist Renewal Center – Tucson, AZ (all meals & overnight accommodations included)
  • April 24-26, 2025 @Spirit in the Desert – Carefree, AZ (all meals & overnight accommodations included)

*Attendance at all the retreats and the monthly assignments are required elements of this communal learning experience.

Outcomes

Over the two years, participants will learn and experience: the contours of the human soul, the nature of God, the process for transformation, the wisdom and practice of taking care of their own soul, and the practice of listening to others for the care of their soul.

Themes 

Themes explored: awakening, awareness, attentiveness, attachments, activity, abiding

Cost

Tuition$5100 (scholarships available* – does not include travel expenses)

Breakdown of costs: Application fee $50** non-refundable, Deposit to secure spot $450** after acceptance (**application fee and deposit will be be put toward the tuition fee upon acceptance) Payments can be made monthly or each year.

*Our heart’s desire is to not have tuition be an obstacle for anyone who would like to join us. We may have scholarships available or be able to help you with other ideas to cover the cost of the program over two years. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you would like to speak further about what this might look like for you.