An online, one-year, continuing education pilot from Renovaré

As Christ-followers, we are called to become a listening presence in everyday life. Few things are more important today. Our world suffers from distraction, division, and deep trauma. By learning to listen to God, ourselves, creation, and those around us, we can participate in the world's healing and even its flourishing. Our year-long journey in an online community is designed to provide a safe and brave learning space in which we can become the kind of people who can listen ourselves and others into a more compassionate and faithful life of love.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 PILOT ARE NOW CLOSED. CONTACT WENDY@RENOVARE.ORG IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE INTEREST LIST FOR FUTURE YEARS.

STRUCTURE

• 1 two-hour teaching Zoom/month

• 1 additional small group Zoom/month

• Guided reading and practice journey (approx 5-10 hrs/week)

• 2 independent personal retreats

ZOOM TEACHING SESSION DATES
Sept 26 (Orientation)

All Other Sessions: Thursdays
10am-12pm Central Time
Oct 19, Nov 30, Dec 7, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 28, Apr 25, May 30, Jun 20, July 25, Aug 29, Sept 19

TUITION:
$1220 USD
(A payment plan option is available.)

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 PILOT ARE NOW CLOSED. CONTACT WENDY@RENOVARE.ORG IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE INTEREST LIST FOR FUTURE YEARS.

FAQ

Who should apply?
Renovaré Institute Alumni and Renovaré Ministry Team members who seek to grow in their capacity to listen discerningly to God, themselves, and others.

How many students will you admit?
Due to our commitment to fostering a relatively intimate community experience, we will limit the class to 50 students. Once the course is full, additional applicants will be placed on the waiting list for next year’s class. 

What is the application timeline?
Applications are NOW CLOSED. There is no fee to apply. Admission decisions will be communicated by September 8th. Tuition for accepted students will be due September 15th.

Are there in-person residencies? 
There are no in-person residencies. All interactions will take place online. However, students will independently take two 2-5 day retreats during the course.

Is this a training program for spiritual directors? 
This is NOT a training program for spiritual directors, although it shares some DNA with spiritual direction training. This course may be a helpful first step for discerning a call to spiritual direction and/or a refreshing enrichment series for current spiritual directors. However, we’re even more excited about the ways this course will help students listen and discern deeply in any vocation, and in their family, work, church, and community relationships.

Are small group meetings part of the program?
Yes, participants will meet in an assigned small group once a month. During our online orientation meeting, each student will be placed in a group and each group will arrange a monthly day/time and way (Zoom, etc.) to meet online. 

What is the workload?
The rhythm of the course involves reading one book and one or two articles per month at a slow and meditative pace, intentionally entering into spiritual practices, and meeting in your monthly small group. Reflection, journaling, and deep listening take time and are key to the learning process. We also ask you to plan to take two 2-5 day independent retreats during the year. (Guidance will be provided.)

Is the monthly online class mandatory? 
Yes, the online classes are a mandatory part of this course. They last two hours, and will consist of teaching time, discussion, and small group interaction.

Is the program within a particular tradition?
As with all things Renovaré, you can expect a high Christology and a broad ecumenicalism as we explore the biblical and theological foundations for practices of presence and listening — including and especially some of the Ignatian and Quaker perspectives that have helped to shape the lives of our two instructors.

What is the tuition? Are there extra costs?
Tuition is $1220 (due in one lump sum by September 15, 2023). We’ve calculated the tuition cost based on $100 per month of instruction, plus a $20 fee to cover the expense of reprinting and shipping each student a key out-of-print book. You will also need to purchase or source several other readily available books on your own, and make arrangements to take 2 personal retreats. Also, if you are not currently meeting with a spiritual director, we strongly recommend you do so on a monthly basis throughout the program.

Update: Payment Plan Option - In response to applicant feedback, we will also offer a payment plan option of $110/month for 12 months, which represents the $1220 tuition plus a $100 processing/financing fee.

What if I have more questions? 
Email: wendy@renovare.org