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”
a new discernment cohort begins February 7, 2026
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
OCT 4TH: I
dentity — moving from what I am, to who I am
In this retreat, we will draw near to the One who lovingly created us and knows us completely. In God’s presence we come to know who we truly are, and to Whom we belong.
NOV 15TH: Grief Movement — a gentle, embodied approach to release grief and stress from our bodies
We will use movement, breath and sound to release grief and stress from our bodies to open space within our hearts to become more aware of God's loving presence with us.
DEC 6TH: Welcoming Prayer
Often described as “consent-on-the-go,” this prayer offers a practical way to open ourselves to God’s presence and action in everyday life.
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
Landscapes of the Soul (Resourced from Margaret Silf’s book Landscapes of Prayer)
November 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025 (Mondays) 10am – 12pm PT
November 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025 (Tuesdays) 1pm – 3pm PT
Week 1: Gardens: Planting & pruning, waiting & harvesting
Week 2: Seashore: Ebb & flow, anchors & sails
Week 3: Forest: Rooted & nourished, shadow & light
Week 4: Desert: Hunger & thirst, mirage & oasis
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!
On Sunday mornings I get to tell the children’s story. I grew up in the church and know so many of these stories forwards and backwards; but now I get to revisit them with grace and wonder. I am invited to translate my dawning awareness into language that invites the children to wonder; invites them to learn about a God who welcomes them, who welcomes us, right where we are at.
One week the sermon centered Rizpah (2 Samuel 21). It is not a story I learned in Sunday School. It's not exactly kid fare, but I wondered what it might be like to tell a story and model how to use big feelings instead of suppressing them. What might shift in a child’s heart, in my heart, if big feelings were personified as characters? What might open up if feelings were held as sacred messengers?