For many people today, including Christians, the art of really listening to another person much less to God, seems all but lost. In a world of instant communication, with email, text messaging, Facebook and Twitter, information is quickly exchanged but seldom do we pause long enough to consider what is really being said. The pace of life is intense and ultimately harmful as a sustaining practice. We need to take time to listen.
At its heart, the Academy for Spiritual Formation® is an experience in listening: to one another, to oneself, to God. During the two-year experience, participants are guided in a course of reading and instruction in Christian spirituality, yet this is not the heart of the program. It is in the silence and in the worship, in the small groups and around the table that one begins to feel heard. And then one begins to listen, really listen with the ears of one’s heart to the heartbeat of God.
Beginning July 29, 2018, the two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation will be offered at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, CA. New and continuing faculty presenters make this an especially strong offering, including some you may recognize: Roger Owens, Marjorie Thompson, Elaine Heath, Ray Buckley, Luther Smith, Wilkie Au, Leticia Guardiola-Saenz, Amy Oden, and Rabbi David Horowitz among others. All faculty presenters are chosen because of their ability to listen and everyone brings a wealth of insights and gifts to share.
There is still time to apply for Academy #40 but you need to hurry! More information and an application are available at http://Academy.UpperRoom.org or by calling 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7233.
Scholarships are available for PNW laity and clergy who are registered for a Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation starting this summer. Click here to learn more.
