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).
The SOUL Journey is a two-month adventure with a spiritual growth community. In a cohort of 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 a new way to practice spiritual community. Because our spiritual narratives are growing and changing!
when?
Our first cohorts will start Spring of 2025 and run weekly through March and April. Plus, we’re already planning for the fall of 2025. Both cohorts will gather on Sundays for an hour and 45 minutes each week, except for the onsite hybrid retreat which lasts a weekend.
Online cohort meetings start 1pm ET / noon CT / 11am MT / 10am PT / 7pm CET on Sundays.
Hybrid cohort meetings start at 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT on Sundays.
Hybrid weekend retreat runs 4pm ET Friday, February 28 until noon ET March 2, 2025.
where?
We are offering two cohort styles to start: an all-online option that will run for 10 weeks on Zoom (pre-session Feb 9, then Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 27, May 4) and a hybrid option that will start with an onsite retreat in Boone, NC and continue online for another 6 weeks (Mar 9, 16, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13). In future semesters, we plan to offer a onsite option with weekly in-person gatherings in select communities.
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 January 2025, and you can see more here.
how?
That’s the easy part: Go to this page to register for the cohort of your choice before they fill up!
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. Even the hybrid cohort with its onsite retreat is donation-based.
What about time commitment? Outside of the gatherings themselves, you can expect an hour or two of reading time each week. We’ll be asking you to read two or three books each semester.
just one?
The full SOUL Journey actually covers 4 semesters, so we’re just opening the first of those this spring. Each fall and spring, we will roll out another segment of the Journey for you to continue the momentum and friendships you develop in this first cohort. Plus, we will facilitate periodic community gatherings between the semesters to stay connected with these vital relationships.
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, click here!
