New Cohort begins June 2026 - June 2027. Application process closes soon.
Apply now!
GROWING DEEPER STILL
Retreats
Because we know real growth happens slowly over time, each retreat invites you to engage in particular spiritual practices, giving you space over the quarter to practice what you learned at the retreat and integrate it into your life and leadership. Within a nurturing community of spiritual companions, you will have monthly practice/reading assignments to support your experimentation with the curriculum.
SCROLL down to view dates, curriculum, retreat schedule, location, tuition, and application.
Cohort 17 - Retreat Dates
June 29, 2026, one-day orientation
July 27-28, 2026
October 26-27, 2026
January 25-26, 2027
April 26-27, 2027
June 7-8, 2027
Contemplative Fall Refresher
Alumni Retreat:
October 5-6, 2026
SACRAMENTAL IMAGINATION
Retreat
Schedule &
Curriculum
Sample Schedule
All retreats follow a similar format, as outlined below—click the down arrow to view. Between retreats, monthly practice assignments help you prepare and apply what you have learned. We aim to provide a safe space that fosters listening to how God is calling, empowering, and leading you in your journey toward wholeness for the well-being of others.
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12:45 pm — Arrival, check-in, refreshments / no lunch (Exception: The first retreat begins at 10 am, lunch included)
1:00 pm — Welcome, Introductions, SESSION 1
2:00 pm — SESSION 2: specific formational topic with helpful guidance for experiencing the spiritual practice, personally and in community
2:30 pm — Break
2:45 pm — SESSION 3
4:00 pm — Trust Circles: spiritual direction groups of 5 with an experienced facilitator / remains the same
6:00 pm — Re-gather to celebrate what has been given
6:30 pm — Dinner with guided group reflection
7:40 pm — Compline: night prayers
8:00 pm — Depart in silence
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Arrival in Silence by 8:45 am
9:00 am — Centering / Morning Worship
9:45 am — Break
10:00 am — SESSION 4
10:45 am — Reflection assignment to help solidify and integrate your learning
11:45 am — Re-gather to celebrate what has been given
Noon — Lunch
1:00 pm — Trust Circles for group spiritual direction (sharing on practice)
2:00 pm — Break
2:15 pm — SESSION 5: Empowering Spiritual Leaders
3:15 pm — Closing Ritual and Departure
Curriculum Themes
Teaching content and formational activities are built around time-tested concepts that help us become more open, receptive, and responsive to God’s transforming grace and work in us. Click the down arrow for more about each theme.
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A fresh encounter with God through Lectio Divina and Daily Examen
“The way we approach the Word has everything to do with the way we’re shaped by the Word.”
~ Robert Mulholland
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Learning God’s Language through Silence, Solitude, and Simplicity
“If you don’t come apart for awhile, you will come apart after awhile.”
~ Dallas Willard
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Consenting to God’s Action Within through Contemplative Prayer
“If you do Centering Prayer and don’t bring it into active life – like the Active Prayer [Jesus Prayer] phrase, the Welcoming Prayer [Practice], and Guard of the Heart – you will have trouble.”
~ Thomas Keating
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Ways of Recognizing and Responding to God’s Voice
“Discernment is learning to recognize God’s active presence and to listen to God’s voice so that we may bring our lives into harmony with what God wants for us and play our part in keeping God’s big dream for the world alive.”
~ Trevor Hudson
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Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation.
“Ask me not where I live or what I like to eat. Ask me what I am living for and what is keeping me from living fully for that.”
~ Thomas Merton
Location
STARRETTE FARM RETREAT
Holy Ground for Meeting God
School of the Spirit retreats are held at the Starrette Farm Retreat in Statesville, NC, a private homestead (est. 1888) spanning 25 acres of rolling woodland and walking trails. Affectionately called “The Farm,” this beautiful property is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the intersection of I-40 and I-77. Walking trails, a pond, a labyrinth, special spots for resting, journaling, community gathering, and more await you — click the buttons for more information.
School of the Spirit participants are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. Because Starrette Farm Retreat is a “day apart” venue, our collaborative partnership with six hotels, only seven minutes from the Farm, provides guests of day or multiple-day retreats with quality hotel amenities, complimentary breakfast, and discounted rooms! Details are provided upon your acceptance to School of the Spirit.
Tuition
The tuition for School of the Spirit’s twelve-month online and in-person experience includes meals, refreshments, instructors, retreat facility, supplies, and more. The value is $1,500 per student. A generous financial supporter makes it possible to offer a significant discount to early registrations. Travel, lodging, books, and non-refundable application administrative fee not included. Refer here for What is Provided.
Apply early and save!
Early registration deadline: Dec, 31, 2025 = $950
Regular registration deadline: April 30, 2026 = $1,250
Late registration: May 1, 2026, and after = $1,500
Financial Assistance
School of the Spirit is committed to providing financial assistance to those in need, ensuring our program is accessible to individuals who feel called to participate. If you are concerned about your financial situation, please follow these steps: 1. Complete the SoS application form and indicate your interest in Financial Assistance. 2. Request a Financial Assistance Application from the registrar. 3. During the Application Interview, discuss your need. The registrar will present various options for assistance. If you prefer to talk it through first, reach out to Nancy Bellamy, registrar, at info@DJMnc.org
Application
Limited to 24 clergy, leaders, healing ministry providers, and thirsty pilgrims.
School of the Spirit is designed for clergy, lay ministry professionals, nonprofit and business leaders, and thirsty pilgrims who are profoundly dedicated to being formed by the Holy Spirit through practices that impact their choices, lives, and leadership.
If you have a quest…
To move more deeply and intentionally into your own process of inner transformation,
To be a part of a community of co-learners whose aim is to nurture that process,
To engage in quality materials and training intended to be passed on to others,
To commit to five quarterly retreats and monthly engagement over a one-year time frame,
…then School of the Spirit is for you!
