Forms Available for Download:
Application | Ministry Practicum Log | Personal Progress Report | Verbatim Form
JOURNEY PARTNERS is a two-year training in Spiritual Direction led by Rev. Wendy Miller of Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Course work is done in 6 retreats over the two years, with extensive reading in preparation for each gathering. The retreats are a combination of instruction and small group practice in spiritual disciplines and direction.
RETREAT DATES: March 20-23, 2006 (Gray Center); June 26-29, 2006 (Chatawa); October 23-36, 2006 (Chatawa); March 19-22, 2007; June 25-28, 2007; October 22-25, 2007
REQUIREMENTS: Journey Partners is open to 25 persons, both laity and clergy of all denominiations who sense a call to this ministry. The process begins with experiencing spirtual direction, continues with learning the skills and sensibilities of spiritual direction, and then moves to offering spiritual direction to others. The Journey Partners approach focuses on spiritual direction rooted in the life of a worshipping community. Persons participating in Journey Partners are expected to see a Spiritual Director regularly throughout the training. Referrals are available through Jane Watts or Becky Youngblood in the Center for Ministry office.
RESOURCE PERSON: Rev. Wendy Miller has been on the faculty of Eastern Mennonite Seminary for the past twelve years and currently serves as Campus Pastor and Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation. After her undergraduate work at Wheaton and Iowa Wesleyan College, Wendy received her seminary degree from Associated Mennonite Seminary. Wendy's credentials also include Clinical Pastoral Education and two Master's degrees, one from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and one from General Theological Seminary in New York. She has aslo complete a training course with the Shalem Institute of Spiritual Formation. In addition to offer spiritual direction and training others in this ministry, Wendy directs the Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. She spends much of her time writing. Her books, Invitation to Presence and Jesus, Our Spiritual Director, are valuable resources for students of this art. Wendy brings a gentle spirit and a passion to all that she does. You will find in her a worthy Journey Partner!
COST: (includes program fee, room, and board) $1265 per year (with pre-registration by Dec. 1, 2005), total cost $2530; $1300 per year (with registration by Dec. 31, 2005), total cost $2600. If cost is an issue, payment arrangements can be made through the Center for Ministry. If you have questions,, please contact Jane Watts or Becky Youngblood.
CEU: 4 Continuing Education Units are given each year for full participation. Certification as a Spiritual Director is available through the Center for Ministry to any one who completes all components of the training. Additionally persons who complete all Journey Partners work and are interested in certification in spiritual formation through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the UMC are now eligible to receive 6 hours towrad the GBHEM requirements. This credit is available through Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Full details are available from the CFM.
To indicate interest and for more information, contact Center for Ministry, 1701 North State St., Jackson, MS 39210; rebecca@centerforministry.com or jane@centerforministry.com; 601.974.1488. To download a printable application form, click here
