Current Conferences
“Growing in Discernment: Attuning our Spiritual Senses”
Interest in discernment has been growing significantly for more than a decade. Individuals seek personal discernment for vocational decisions and life-changing turns. Church leaders seek guidance concerning their congregations’ distinctive purpose and mission in the world. Whole denominations search for God’s will in matters of doctrine, ethics, and faithful living. An ancient spiritual practice, discernment is once again being recognized and embraced as a timely and practical means of grace.
To discern is to sort and sift through the possibilities when we face a variety of choices. The kinds of questions that might lead us into spiritual discernment tend to be simple: What is the faithful path to take in this circumstance? How do we find clarity on God’s will in this matter? Yet the answers to these questions rarely seem straightforward when we are puzzled by opposing voices, or multiple options seem attractive. Learning to become more discerning is largely a matter of attuning our spiritual eyes and ears to signs of divine guidance in ordinary life.
This class will explore the nature of spiritual discernment, and a number of practical patterns that can help open our spiritual senses to the gift of growing clarity, both individually and in small groups.
Co-sponsored by Columbia Theological Seminary’s Spiritual Formation Program and Montreat Conference Center’s Evelyn Green Endowment for Christian Discipleship.
Key Leader
- Marjorie Thompson, Nashville, TN; Presbyterian pastor who has served in teaching capacities at numerous seminaries, as well as, the Academy for Spiritual formation. She is author of Companions in Christ and Soul Feast. Currently she serves as Director, Pathways in Congregational Spirituality at Upper Room Ministries.
Program Fee
- $378 (Housing & meals not included)
Registration Information
Conference begins Thursday, April 16, with registration 3:30-5:00 PM, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Sunday, April 19, with morning activities.
This program is offered as part of the Certificate in Spiritual Formation Program at Columbia Theological Seminary and serves as course credit. Auditors are welcome, but must also register through Columbia Seminary. For additional information and to register for the retreat, visit the program’s web site at Columbia Theological Seminary or call the registrar at 404.687.4587.
Child care is not available for this program.
If you would like a conference flyer mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org.
Cost for Housing & Meals in Assembly Inn
Rates are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Thursday supper – Sunday lunch). No adjustments to package will be made except for extended stay.
Assembly Inn
- Single, Private Bath: $352.50
- Single, Connecting Bath: $295.50
- Double, Private Bath: $235.50 per person
- Double, Connecting Bath: $220.50 per person
Cancellation refunds for housing will be awarded in the following ways:
Full refund if notice of cancellation is received on or before March 5; Full refund less $40 if notice of cancellation is received after March 5, but before April 9; No refunds will be given after April 9; All requests for refunds must be in writing and received by Montreat Conference Center via email, fax, or U.S. mail.
Reserve housing online in Assembly Inn.
Questions about reserving housing? Email susana[at]montreat.org.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations subject to policies of the Spiritual Formation Program at Columbia Theological Seminary. Accommodations cancellations for those staying in conference center housing subject to the policies of Montreat Conference Center.
Planning Team
Co-sponsored by Columbia Theological Seminary’s Spiritual Formation Program and Montreat Conference Center’s Evelyn Green Endowment for Christian Discipleship.