what?
What is the SOUL Journey? SOUL is an acronym for “School of UnLearning,” and we have learned that to really enter new spiritual territory, we first have to let go of some of what we thought we knew. Before we can re-learn, we have to do a little un-learning. We have to open our hearts and minds and become like a child again (Mt 18:3).
Each SOUL Journey is a two-month adventure with a spiritual growth community. In a cohort of up to 12 kindred spirits, you will learn and practice new spiritual skills for connecting more deeply with your own heart, with God, with other seekers, and with Creation. Through a combination of presentation, conversation, and experimentation, you will find fresh meaning for your spiritual journey in the company of other Godward souls.
why?
Because so many of us are hungry for more spiritual depth and connection. Because we’re tired of being spectators in our faith communities and want to experience more of God firsthand. Because some of us have been hurt or disappointed with church and are looking for new ways to practice spiritual community. Because our spiritual narratives are growing and changing!
when?
Our next cohorts will start Fall of 2025 and cover 10 sessions. The opening Retreat Weekend will cover sessions 1-4, followed by six more weekly sessions on Zoom. Both cohorts will gather on Sundays for 2 hours each week.
SOUL-1 starts with an opening retreat September 19 - 21. The next 6 Zoom sessions will run on Sundays at 1pm ET / noon CT / 11am MT / 10am PT / 7pm CET.
SOUL-2 starts with an opening retreat August 22 - 24. The next 6 Zoom sessions will run on Sundays at 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT / 10pm CET.
SOUL-1?
The full SOUL Journey actually covers 4 semesters, so SOUL-1 is the place to begin. In this first cohort, you will learn the fundamentals of the contemplative journey. What are the essential perspectives and practices to ground your spiritual life in direct experience with God? The fall 2025 cohort will launch with an onsite retreat and then continue on Zoom.
soul-2?
SOUL-2 picks up where SOUL-1 leaves off and shifts from focus on contemplation to focus on action. How do we actually do life from a contemplative orientation? Marriage, friendship, parenting, church, social justice, etc.… These are the focus on SOUL-2. This fall 2025 cohort will also kick off with an onsite retreat and then continue on Zoom.
The SOUL-1 Retreat will convene at the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC, just outside Greensboro. The SOUL-2 Retreat will convene in Boone, NC. In future semesters, we plan to offer a onsite option with weekly in-person gatherings in select communities.
where?
who?
Who is the SOUL Journey for? It’s for folks who are looking for transformation more than information, experience more than data. For those who want to live more fully into their True Selves, strengthen their core relationships, and be more in harmony with Creation. It’s also for those who have lost the “container” of church and want to reignite their divine spark. Maybe it’s simply for you.
Btw, if you are still in the throws of “deconstruction”—breaking down the spiritual narratives you were given—and not quite ready for “reconstruction,” consider joining us for a 3-week mini-community called The Evangelical Recovery Journey before starting The SOUL Journey. That community begins in August 2025, and you can see more here.
how much?
Financial commitment? That’s the beautiful part: We are committed to making the SOUL Journey available to absolutely everyone who wants to participate. So these cohorts are donation-based. If you can give a lot, give a lot. If you can give a little, then do that. We invite you to support us with whatever you can—pay what you feel!
What about time commitment? Outside of the gatherings themselves, you can expect a couple hours of reading and practices each week. We’ll be asking you to read two or three books each semester.
how?
That’s the easy part: Use this button to secure the cohort of your choice before they fill up! >>>
content?
We have curated what we believe to be the best gems from the organized church as well as more hidden gems from traditions less visible. In our experience the church in general has been heavy on propositional truth but light on experiential practice, which is the core of the contemplative tradition. The contemplative path is the practice of “abiding in the vine” (Jn 15), of “gazing on the beauty of the Lord” (Ps 27:4), and of the divine union Jesus calls us to in Jn 17:20-21.
When we go back in time, we find a host of these sorts of spiritual practices from the Christian monastic communities, Celtic Christianity, and the many Christian mystics. We even look for common spiritual threads woven across other religious traditions that might inform our following of Christ more fully. Intrigued? Come experience it for yourself!
For a week-by-week topic and reading guide for SOUL-1, that’s coming soon!
For a week-by-week topic and reading guide for SOUL-2, that’s coming soon!
