Spiritual Formation Leadership Summit
It began with a conviction
The pressing need in the church today is discipleship and formation into the likeness of Christ. As the world becomes more complex and confusing, the need for mature Christians who can act as God’s redemptive agents increases. Decades ago Richard Foster wrote, “Superficiality is the curse of our age. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” Foster’s words seem even more appropriate today.
Then grew into an idea
What if pastors, missionaries, counselors and other Christian leaders had a safe place to nurture their own soul while at the same time receiving graduate level teaching and a challenge to more effectively disciple those in their care? Instead of another conference, what if a sacred space existed where challenging teaching was balanced with silence and reflection, where instruction was paired with pastoral concern and spiritual direction?
Then emerged as a movement
In 2014, twenty four pastors and other Christian leaders gathered at Eagle Rock Retreat Center for the first Spiritual Formation Leadership Summit. We never advertised the Summit but word spread and by 2019 the Summit had grown to include two gatherings with over one hundred participants. Christian leaders desiring to grow in their own faith and unafraid to question the ministry models they inherited, were drawn to the Summit. Some might say God was blessing the Summit, but I think He was simply using the Summit to draw others to Himself.
What you can expect - The Summit is different from other Conferences and it isn’t for everyone. Here is an overview of what you can expect:
A restoring rhythm - The Summit follows a monastic pattern that goes something like this: Morning prayer, a shared meal, a teaching workshop, an hour of silence to reflect on the teaching, a group debriefing. The cycle then starts over with Midday prayer and worship.
A peaceful setting - Eagle Rock Retreat Center hosts the Summit. Eagle Rock overlooks the Great Smoky Mountains National Park surrounding participants with natural beauty and space for reflection.
A safe place - Trust, genuine concern and confidentiality characterize the atmosphere of the Summit. The comradery enjoyed by participants allows for deep conversations, prayer and times of healing and refreshing.
A commitment to guidance - typically participants can sign up for spiritual direction with a certified Spiritual Director or a consult with a Licensed Counselor. These opportunities are one way the Summit provides pastoral care.
Rich fellowship - Most of the participants serve on a church staff. About one third are lead ministers, but also worship leaders, discipleship ministers, youth ministers, children’s ministers, counselors, elders, missionaries, small group leaders, non-profit leaders and others participate.