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.
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 Year 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 Retreats
One Saturday each month: Sept. 2024 May 2025
Time: 10am - 12noon, PST
Cost: A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated! Suggested donation $25
“Journal the Journey: Learning To Nurture The Inner Life”
January 11, 2025, with Marsha Crockett
This retreat will help you explore journaling as a way to nurture the inner life and grow in the prayer practice of journal keeping as an invitation to come home to yourself, to God, and to others. Together we’ll consider the obstacles that keep us from journaling, and creative ways to easily continue the practice of journaling as prayer, meditation, and a means of embracing all that life offers.
Finally, we’ll consider what we do with our journals and how to harvest them for greater insight into how God is forming our lives.
“Noticing God in Everyday Life - The Prayer of Examen”
February 22, 2025, with Ellen Hoffman
The Prayer of Examen 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.
By asking ourselves: “What has been life-giving?”and “What has been life-draining?” we make space to notice more deeply who we are, what we need, and how God is present with us.
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!
I am one who loves Christmas and contemplates “how early is too early to start with the music and decorations?” I also don’t want to crowd out Thanksgiving celebrations with too much too soon! What has emerged over the years to honor both desires, is a genre of music I call “pre-Christmas music,” and just one “pre-Christmas” decoration. This decoration comes out well before Advent. It is a plain gray stump that I set on my counter along with Thanksgiving pumpkins.
This stump leads to my pre-Christmas meditation based on Isaiah 11:1:
A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots.