EngagingSpirituality
EngagingSpirituality is a three-part series which guides small groups in developing spiritual (contemplative) practices to ground their work of outreach and justice.
Out of the Light: Creating Sacred Space for Self and Others
Nurtured by the spiritual practices of centering, prayerful listening, spiritual reading, and outreach, participants seek to apply the teachings of Jesus to the struggles of our world.
Into the Dark: Bearing Witness to Suffering and Mystery
Reflecting on the wisdom of contemporary spiritual leaders, participants make space to enter into suffering and darkness with a listening heart.
Down to Earth: Embracing Healing, Justice and Joy
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 creates rich, reflective resources that allow co-facilitators to open a sacred space for participants to listen and share from the heart.
Sessions
Each program of the EngagingSpirituality series is comprised of eight 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 the EngagingSpirituality process is the Spirit-stirring that is revealed through the depth of sharing in each small community. Over the course of the three programs, participants read four spiritual texts, maintain a prayer journal, reflect on the wisdom of spiritual teachers, and view two inspiring videos. Click here for the book list.
Immersions
Each program of the EngagingSpirituality series includes an immersion experience between sessions six and seven. The three immersions focus on sacred presence, a contemplative pilgrimage, and engagement with an organization/group working for justice. 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 each of the three EngagingSpirituality programs. The opening retreat is a departure from daily demands for the purpose of spiritual renewal and community-building. The Commissioning retreat celebrates the ending of the formal EngagingSpirituality process, as well as guides participants in discerning their next steps – both personally and as a group.
ENGAGING SPIRITUALITY TESTIMONIALS
What They’re Saying
Eileen W.El Paso, TX
Ed B.Cheyenne, WY
Christine S.Boise, ID
Before EngagingSpirituality, 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
EngagingSpirituality
Program Includes:
- Comprehensive materials and session guides
- Facilitation guidance
- Retreat and Immersion guidance
- Adaptations for virtual groups
- Direct access to program staff for support
Other program costs include books and a prayer journal for participants with an estimated total cost of $45/person.
| EngagingSpirituality 2020-21 Program 1 $175 |
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| EngagingSpirituality 2020-21 Program 2 $175 |
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| EngagingSpirituality 2020-21 Program 3 $175 |
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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 10–12 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 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.
Do we have to do all three of the ES programs in the series?
No. Participants begin with program one and discern as a group if they would like to move on to programs two and three.
Can I pick which one of the three programs I'd like to begin with?
The ES series was designed to be taken in order and groups should begin with program one, followed by program two and then program three.
Can new participants join our group at any time?
We recommend that new participants not join a group that has already begun. However, we do encourage keeping a list of all those who would like to do the ES series and forming new groups later on in the year.