Christian Formation & Direction Ministries, NorthWest
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.
To learn what CFDM is offering for training, workshops and contemplative retreats, please read below and continue to visit our home page for updates. You can also check our Facebook page, and/or sign up to receive our newsletter. To support CFDM, please visit our Giving page.
spiritual direction training
CFDM-NW trains 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...
The Spiritual Direction Training Program starts with a “Season of Discernment”
going deeper in relationship with god
CFDM-NW offers opportunities for individuals to learn and practice contemplative prayer 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. A transformed life is a gift received, not a goal achieved. It happens when we create space for noticing what God is already doing in our life. Through spending time with, reflecting on, and resting in God, we come to know personally, and more fully, God’s immense love for us. We are God’s Beloved!
Online Mini Retreat: ONCE A MONTH SATURDAYS 10-12N PST
All Mini Retreats are recorded and shared with registered participants who aren’t able to attend live.
MARCH 21st: Noticing God in Everyday Life - The Prayer of Examen
The Prayer of Examen is an ancient spiritual practice of expressing gratitude for God’s presence of love that is with us every moment of every day. It has been described as “reading the scripture of our lives.” It is a simple, yet powerful practice that invites us to reflect on our everyday happenings and experiences to see the movement of God.
With this simple practice, we make space to notice more deeply who we are, what we need, and how God is present with us.
APRIL 18th: Encountering God Through Lectio Divina
Lectio divina is also called divine (or sacred) reading. It is an ancient Christian approach to reading scripture that allows God to meet us personally in the moment. When we read scripture this way, we are not looking to gain information, we are seeking to deepen our personal relationship with God. Reading in this way is transformational, it engages not only our mind, but also our heart, our emotions, our body, our curiosity, our imagination, and our will.
Lectio divina is rooted in the belief that through the presence of the Holy Spirit the scriptures are alive and active as we engage them (Heb 4:12).
MAY 16th:
Embodied Prayer and Somatic Movement -Experiencing God Through our Body Center
Many of us were taught to distrust our bodies, to "die to the flesh". We may find it challenging to sense or feel present in our bodies. But our bodies can help us connect with spirit of God within us.
Prayer with simple gestures can help us attune to the body and enable us to commune with God from our sensing or body center, beyond our very busy minds.
Somatic exercises can help us to calm and regulate our nervous systems with very simple movements. Please bring a blanket, mat or a towel as we will be doing some gentle, soothing movements on the floor, for those who are able.
Listening Groups
Listen and respond to the Divine invitation in ordinary life in the company of a supportive small group.
Groups will meet in September, November, January, March and May!
Listening Groups facilitator, Marsha Crockett is a certified Spiritual Director, and an award-winning author of seven books focused on prayer, spiritual formation, and God-given identity. You can learn more about her books here, and at www.marshacrockett.org
The Creative Initiative (Resourced from Don Postema’s book Space for God)
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026 (Mondays) 10am – 12pm PT
March 3, 10, 17, 24 2026 (Tuesdays) 1pm – 3pm PT
Week 1: Transformations of the heart (The potter and clay as prayer)
Week 2: The intersection of faith and creativity {Praying the ordinary)
Week 3: What is alive or in process in the studio of the soul (Praying the unfinished work)
Week 4: Metaphors and imaginings in the spiritual life (Prayers of imagination)
Group Spiritual Direction - Listening to God through scripture
Listening To God Through Scripture is a process in which people come together on a monthly basis to do some “deep listening” of a passage from scripture.
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.
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!
This week I attended my first Quaker worship service. I welcomed the invitation of an hour of communal silence. The world has grown so noisy and even finding my place in traditional “Christian churches” has left me crestfallen and longing for more of Jesus.
As I found my way to the meeting, held at a local community center, I saw the simple circle of sixteen chairs. I noticed the established name tags. I found the familiar “Hello My Name Is” sticky and wrote my name with a big black Sharpie. I looked around the room and found a seat next to a woman who was friendly and made light conversation.