Training In Spiritual Direction

Director: Richard Robbins
Associate Director:  Becky Youngblood

A Two-Year Training Program in the Christian Tradition of Spiritual Direction
2018-2019 Class Now in Progress
Next Class Anticipated to Begin Winter 2020

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is spiritual direction?
A: Spiritual direction is an historic practice within the Christian tradition.  It is the art of walking beside others as they listen for the voice of God in their lives. It employs both God-given gifts and carefully cultivated skills. 

Q: Who can participate in Journey Partners?
A: Laity and clergy of all denominations and faith traditions are invited to participate in Journey Partners. 

Q: What is Journey Partners like? 
A: Journey Partners is designed to deepen each participant's personal faith journey, as well as to offer training in the practice of spiritual direction. The program consists of six retreats, held over the course of two years, at the Duncan Gray Episcopal Retreat Center in Canton, Mississippi; supervised experiential learning meant to develop each participant's capacity to accompany others in spiritual direction within congregational and mission settings; and reading and writing assignments to be completed between retreats.

Q: Who teaches Journey Partners?
A: Journey Partners is led by

• Dr. Dwight Judy, writer, teacher, and Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and
  
• the Rev. Jane Vennard, recently retired John Wesley Iliff Senior Adjunct Instructor in Spirituality at the Iliff School of Theology, author, teacher, and retreat leader.
  

Q: Can I receive academic credit, or continuing education credit, for Journey Partners?
A: Journey Partners qualifies for seminary credit through Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. For clergy, full participation in Journey Partners is  worth four continuing education units per year. Completion of all Journey Partners work also qualifies for two courses toward United Methodist requirements for Certification in Spiritual Formation upon registration with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and submission of required academic papers.

Q: How much does Journey Partners cost?
A: $600 per retreat ($1,800 per year). A limited number of scholarships are available.

Q: How do I apply to participate in Journey Partners? 
A: When the next class is announced, we will post the application here.  To place your name on the interest list
to receive notices about a new class, please email Richard Robbins.
Q: How do I get more information about Journey Partners?
A: You can download our brochure here, or you may email Richard Robbins.

From a Journey Partners Alum....
"In the desert place of my retirement, God came into my life in a new way. He invited me first into spiritual direction and then to Journey Partners...Both have been transforming experiences for me. I have received affirmation and support from a wonderfully diverse group of Journey Partners, discovered new ministry opportunities through my church's Stephen Ministry, and found courage to express my voice as a writer and speaker."  Karen Brown, Retired Rehabilitative Services Administrator, Madison, MS

For more information about Journey Partners, contact:
Rev. Richard Robbins, Director
Box 150041, Millsaps College
1701 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39210
(phone) 601.974.1488 

              See resources for current participants...

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