Transforming Community
Introducing spiritual direction into the local church
WHAT IS IT?
Transforming Community is a 16-hour formation and training program in the ministry of small group spiritual direction for the local church.
The first half of the program initiates participants in exercises that create a culture of hospitality and soul-level conversation. It also introduces the theology and practice of spiritual direction.
The second half of the program is centered around the practice of giving and receiving spiritual direction to one another in small groups.
- 4 sessions
- 4 hours per session
- 8–12 participants
WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS EXPERIENCE?
- Small group spiritual direction
- Deeper levels of conversation
- A safe space to be truly heard, known, and loved
- Authentic spiritual community
- A deeper sense of God's presence
“Small groups are probably the most readily available means of providing spiritual friendship and direction. To fill this role, however, they must be structured and run in a manner that best suits this purpose.”
““Group spiritual direction provides a unique opportunity in the life of the church or community of believers. It is different from more typical conversations such as the superficial (but necessary) hi-how-are-you encounters or those that go a bit deeper but still require our best-dressed presentations.... It is different from teaching Bible studies, adult education classes, seminars and workshops. All of these things are very good things to do. But they do not provide the unique opportunity given in spiritual direction: the opportunity to be heard, to have someone listen to us as we describe the milestones, detours and questions of our own spiritual journeys.””
What Participants are saying:
"It was a wonderful, life-changing experience for me. This class introduced me to some completely new concepts and a new awareness of God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ and the way He works in our lives.
“I was searching for this kind of group, and I didn’t even realize it until I found it through your class!””
I think that this process of spiritual direction is the key to breaching the walls we put up, and is the key to deep, loving, trusting relationships within our church.
I was searching for this kind of group, and I didn’t even realize it until I found it through your class!" — Cathy Howell
“As a past elder I encourage all church leaders, ministers, and members to avail themselves of this opportunity to grow closer to God’s Spirit and to your church family.”
"My experience with Lance’s training in spiritual direction was nothing less than transformational. This eight-week experience opened my spiritual senses in ways that I had not experienced before. This course involves practical training in spiritual direction by being part of a group that shows God’s unconditional love and presence. We learned about “soul care”, techniques for listening and sharing, and we learned the value of silence in order to better hear God’s Spirit. We learned ways for meditating on scripture that invites the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance. After each session I found my soul refreshed and closer to God and to the members of our group.
I highly recommend this training for anyone wanting to take his or her spiritual life to a deeper level. As a past elder I encourage all church leaders, ministers, and members to avail themselves of this opportunity to grow closer to God’s Spirit and to your church family." — Bob Burnett
“It will change you and the way that you look at the world.”
"After completing the 8-week course, it has served as a great spiritual marker in my life and journey toward sanctification. It has brought me into a deeper, and more patient, relationship with God. It has opened my eyes not only to the Holy Spirit moving in the world, but to the stories and struggles of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It has helped me to be a better friend—benefiting my relationships with others and my individual walk with the Lord.
If you’re on the fence (like I was!), please consider taking this class. It will change you and the way that you look at the world." — Ana Crawford
"Lance’s class was one of the most meaningful church experiences that I have had. In a small group setting, we learned how to help each other listen for and discern the Holy Spirit’s movement in our lives. In doing so, I grew to know and love more deeply both God and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ." — Lori Dossey