EngagingSpirituality
EngagingSpirituality is a prayerful process for adult Christians that brings the power of the Holy Spirit to bear upon the needs of our world. Participants reflect on the wisdom teachings of our tradition as they prayerfully break open their lives.
Can we BE STILL and STILL BE in the storms of life that surround us?
EngagingSpritiuality is a 21-session spiritual journey that brings the power of the Holy Spirit to bear upon the needs of our world.
EngagingSpritiuality invites small groups of concerned Christians to look at the world together and enter deeply into the critical realties of our day as they break open their lives. EngagingSpritiuality encourages us to BE STILL and STILL BE in the storms of life that surround us.
EngagingSpirituality does not come with an agenda; instead, it gently invites us to pray, support each other, and let the Holy Spirit lead. Our lives and our parish will never be the same.
– Cappy M., Edina, MN
Out to the light – Bring Gospel-rooted spirituality to life.
Nurtured by the spiritual practices of centering, prayerful listening, spiritual reading, and outreach, participants apply the teachings of Jesus to the struggles of our world.
Into the dark- Take the world to heart
Reflecting on the wisdom of contemporary spiritual leaders, participants make space to enter into suffering and darkness with a listening heart.
Down to earth- Be fully present AND fully engaged.
Grounded in the Beatitudes, participants explore the power of blessing, becoming a humble, transforming presence in this blessed and broken world.
Program Overview
Groups are co-facilitated by two participants from the group. JustFaith Ministries offers rich, reflective resources that allow co-facilitators to open a sacred space for participants to listen and share from the heart.
Sessions
EngagingSpirituality comprises twenty-one 2½-hour sessions, located in a space suited to the intimacy of quiet prayer and reflection. Every session includes Centering Prayer, guided meditation, lectio divina (sacred reading), dialogue, and the deepening of relationships.
Resources
Central to this process is the Spirit-stirring that is revealed through the depth of sharing in each small community. Participants read five spiritual texts, maintain a prayer journal, reflect on the wisdom of 25 spiritual teachers, and view three inspiring DVDs.
Immersions
Each of the three phases of this process is marked by a retreat or immersion experience. This includes a one-day Immersion and a one-day Justice Pilgrimage to local sites. During these “retreats on the street,” participants awaken to the wonders and bear witness to the wounds of the world around them.
Unique Components
Opening and Commissioning Retreats frame this process. These include three uniquely commissioned essays. Each gathering includes a Bearings Letter: the personal testimony of an author, teacher, contemplative, or activist. All participants create and share their own “Bearings” testimony.
ENGAGING SPIRITUALITY TESTIMONIALS
What They’re Saying
Christine S.Boise, ID
Ed B.Cheyenne, WY
Eileen W.El Paso, TX
Before Engaging Spirituality, I think I was always working from my own agenda. I am disciplining myself to practice contemplative prayer and intentional listening that may help me honor God’s wild dream first.
– Teresa S., Virginia Beach, VA
PROGRAM PRICING
Affordable Pricing for Groups
Churches, Parishes, Organizations
Program Includes:
- Comprehensive materials and session guides
- Facilitation guidance
- Retreat and Immersion guidance
- Direct access to program staff for support
Other program costs include books for participants with an estimated total cost of $90/person. Groups purchase three DVDs for an estimated cost of $63.
EngagingSpirituality functions through a small group experience within a church, parish or organization.
Available in our bookstore
Still in The Storm: Reflections for Engaging Spirituality in times like these
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes EngagingSpirituality different from other spiritual programs?
EngagingSpirituality picks up the trajectory of Jesus’ prophetic ministry and mission. It calls participants to engage injustice with a spirit of compassion, opening their lives to Gospel-based justice and peace. It invokes the disturbing and unsettling Holy Spirit that rouses people from complacency. It demands a willingness to cultivate a wider and more tender heart, an open mind, and a deeper connection to struggling people and vulnerable life.
Who leads EngagingSpirituality and what are the qualities of a facilitator?
Guided by a comprehensive script (written for two voices) and outlines for every gathering, two or more co-facilitators lead the group through this process. This process hinges on a team of co-facilitators who hold open a sacred space for prayerful listening and sharing. The most important quality of a co-facilitator is a desire and willingness to listen and be led.
How are facilitators supported during the process?
Session materials provide detailed step-by-step guidance for every aspect of this process and JustFaith Ministries staff is also available, as needed.
How large should a group be?
The optimum size for an EngagingSpirituality group is 8–10 people (including facilitators).
How often do groups meet?
Most groups meet weekly. Some meet every other week.
Do registration fees cover the full cost of creating and maintaining the program?
No. Program fees and resources provide only about 25% of the cost of program development and maintenance. The majority of the cost of each program is provided by generous donations from past program participants. We are also sustained by the support of our partner organizations (hyperlink to partner page) and grants. JustFaith Ministries relies on these partners to make sure all programs are affordable for churches, organizations, and individuals who want to participate in our mission.