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 next cohort for the Spiritual Direction Training Program starts in September 2024, 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
“Centering Prayer: Praying with Our Whole Being”
October 19, 2024, with Katrina Obata
Centering Prayer is beautifully described by Thomas Keating as “…the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. Moved by God’s sustaining grace, we open our awareness to God, who we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing - closer than consciousness itself.”
In this retreat, we will learn more about this form of prayer - its origin, why we would want to pray this way, possible obstacles for praying this way, how to pray this way - and time to practice this prayer yourself.
“Spiritual Pilgrims: Listening to God”
November 16, 2024, with Stan Jacobson
In what ways do you hear God speak to you? For many, it is relatively easy to talk to God, but it is another thing to hear God speak to us. Retreat facilitator, Stan Jacobson, has identified nearly twenty ways God speaks to us. In this Mini Retreat we will explore and experience two of those ways: desire and through the people we meet.
“I do not present this topic as an expert at hearing God speak,” Stan says, “but as one who is vulnerable and who desires to grow as a listener of God.”
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!
Fall has fallen—earlier sunsets, layered clothing, cooler nights. This evening, I am sitting where a breeze carries a pleasant pine scent through an open window, and motorcycles hum around curves in the county road nearby. The TV is off tonight while my husband and I each work out a Sudoku puzzle. Our Australian Shepherds lie near our feet like throw rugs. An owl makes its clicking sound as it glides past outside hunting rabbits, moles, mice. This brings to mind being startled by a covey of quail erupting from the dogwood hedge beside the sprawling cantaloupe I was watering today. And dinner. Everything but the salmon was from our garden. I notice myself accidentally smiling. Contentment.