Christian Formation & Direction Ministries, NW
OUR PURPOSE is captured in the words of Jesus who invites us to come take a rest: “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matt 11:28-29 - The Message)
In and through CFDM, we hope people are finding these “unforced rhythms of grace.”
WHAT WE DO: Christian Formation & Direction Ministries Northwest (CFDM NW) is a Christian ministry offering intentional learning communities in which to explore the soul-shaping experience of God in all of life.
We train spiritual directors in the Pacific Northwest, to companion others on their journey with God. Our Spiritual Direction Training program is an alternative to seminary for mature Christians who want training in offering spiritual direction and the contemplative life. It offers practical hands-on training, including courses in spiritual theology, spiritual traditions, spiritual formation, along with practicum, case studies, and supervision in giving and receiving spiritual direction. This is a two-year certificate program with small learning cohorts, training people to companion others as they walk the story of their life with God. Learn more...
We offer opportunities for individuals to learn contemplative prayer practices in community. All are welcome at these retreats and workshops. Participants learn and experience contemplative prayer practices which enrich and deepen their relationship with the Triune God. Through spending time reflecting and resting in God, we come to know personally, and more fully, God’s immense love for us. We are God’s Beloved!
CFDM is offering FREE Zoom Mini Retreats in March, April, and May 2024. To learn what CFDM is currently offering for contemplative retreats and workshops, please see the “What is Happening” section below.
What is Happening
God has many ways of communicating. We often meet God through words, images, and music. We may be less familiar with how God meets us in silence. In this virtual mini retreat, we will explore why we would want to do so, and how to engage in silence as communion with God.
We will answer questions such as: What do we do with our thoughts and interior noise? What might we expect from silence? How can we include silence in our current spiritual rhythms? This mini retreat will include teaching about silence as a Christian practice with a focus on practical ways to engage in silence, opportunities to try the practices on your own, small group discussion and large group interaction.
“Silence is God’s first language.” * To learn more, and practice this “language,” please join us on Zoom, April 13th from 10am - 12noon for this free Mini Retreat. To register, click the link below. If you have questions, please email CFDMNorthwest@gmail.com. (*Quote from Thomas Keating and John of the Cross)
Wanda Dorsing will be our facilitator for this retreat. Wanda received her certificate in spiritual direction through CFDM-NW. Her first career was as a Registered Dietitian, followed by many years as a stay-at-home mom to three children during which time her passion for soul care began to blossom. During these years she completed CFDM’s formation programs (Going Deeper with God I & II), and she took various other classes to nurture this passion. In her local church Wanda has served in various leadership roles, preaches several times a year, and has been instrumental in coordinating and leading women’s ministry activities including bible studies and other opportunities for spiritual formation. She seeks to maintain a well-tended soul through a wide range of spiritual practices, including regular silent retreats, which prepare her to love well and embrace what life brings. She and her husband live in rural central Washington with an almost empty nest where she enjoys orchard walks, kayaking on local lakes, reading, and playing games with family.
Deadline to register is April 11th at 12 noon.
CFDM-NW is thrilled to welcome Marsha Crockett as our May mini retreat facilitator. The May retreat will be based on the Wilderness Path chapter of Speak, My Soul. You’re invited to join us and ask a friend to register with you! Together we’ll consider the tell-tale signs of walking through a spiritual wilderness, our response to the wilderness, and tools for making your way through. There will be time for personal prayer and reflection, small group sharing, and large group interaction.
Deadline to register is May 9th at 12 noon.
Spiritual Direction Training
The next cohort for the Spiritual Direction Training Program starts in September 2024, a with Year of Discernment.
Group Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction groups meet monthly from September through May, to join together in growing a deeper connection with God and community with each other.
These meetings are currently virtual, and there is no fee to participate. New group members are added to groups after attending a drop-in session, or a one-on-one session with a director to walk you through the process.
To find out more, please contact Judy Steves, jpsteves3@gmail.com
Invite Us To Your Church
We would love to partner with your church as you deepen your desire for disciples who are experiencing freedom in their encounters with Christ. Contact us to start a conversation today!