Spiritual Formation

Christian spiritual formation is a lifelong, intentional cooperation with God’s work of transforming our lives - and our world - to become more like Jesus. Often described in the New Testament as sanctification, this journey is rooted in the rich tradition of the Christian faith and takes shape through intentional practices within a community of faith.

We long for pastors and ministry leaders to embrace a holistic approach to life and ministry - one that nurtures physical, emotional, and spiritual health. A significant part of this work is encouraging district pastors to attend to the formation and care of their own souls in ways that naturally overflow into their relationships, leadership, and ministries.

We are blessed to collaborate with The Center for Spiritual Formation at Nazarene Theological Seminary, which provides formation opportunities and special discounts for our district pastors and leaders throughout the year.

Below, you will find resources and opportunities designed to support a healthy, sustainable, and deeply formed life in ministry. If you have questions or would like help exploring these opportunities, please contact Rev. Mike Kennedy, our Spiritual Formation Curator.

What is Spiritual Direction?

At times called spiritual companionship, soul care, or soul friendship, this practice has been a means of grace and a tool for discerning the activity of the Holy Spirit throughout Christian history.

During this hour of prayerful conversation, one person (a spiritual director) helps another person (the directee) grow in awareness to God’s activity in her/his life. As in counseling, there is an ethic of strict confidentiality observed. However, unlike counseling or coaching, spiritual direction does not attempt to steer toward a particular outcome or solution.

Helpful Introductory Links:

Need help beginning your spiritual direction journey?

If you are interested in spiritual direction, but would like more information, help identifying a director, or financial assistance to begin, please let us know by filling out the Spiritual Direction Interest Form.

Soul Care Days

Soul Care Days are one-day gatherings throughout the year created for pastors and ministry leaders who carry responsibility, attend constantly to others, and rarely have unhurried time with God. This day offers a rhythm of silence, prayer, guided reflection, and spaciousness—to encounter God right where you are at

You will be welcomed into a calm, supportive environment where the pace is intentionally unhurried. The day is designed to be accessible for those who have never participated in a personal retreat before, with structure, guidance, and optional spiritual direction available throughout.

What is a personal retreat?

Ruth Haley Barton defines a retreat this way, “retreat in the context of the spiritual life is an extended time apart for the purpose of being with God and giving God our full and undivided attention.”

What does the day include?

A beginning reflection on a theme offered by the retreat facilitator.
Individual spiritual direction is available during the day until spots are filled.
Ample space for personal quiet & reflection as the day is held in silence.
Lunch will be provided and light snacks.
Time for communal sharing as we close our day together.

Why should I drive to a place to be silent?

Many of us intend to be still, to listen, and to make space for God in our daily lives. Yet bodies shaped by urgency and responsibility often need a shared rhythm to slow down and settle. These retreats provide that rhythm—offering a communal experience of some silence and rest that helps open us to deeper listening, both together and later in personal prayer.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is for Christian leaders who carry the responsibility of caring for others and are in need of rest themselves. If you serve as a pastor, board member, small group leader, or in any ministry leadership role within your church community, you are welcome.

How much does the retreat cost?

The fee per person for this retreat is $25. We will send more information on how to pay with your registration confirmation email.

What if I have never participated in a retreat like this before?

If you have never taken one before this is a great place to begin! You will have time to chat in the beginning and as you reflect at the end of your time together. There is also individual spiritual direction available throughout the day until spots are filled. We encourage you to give this type of retreat a try and simply notice how it feels!

Meet Your Retreat Facilitator

Rev. Dr. Julene Tegerstrand is a writer, educator, and spiritual director whose work explores how the slow work of spiritual formation prepares us to meet conflict with grace. For her, Advent is not only a season of waiting but of becoming, of learning to hold tension, listen deeply, and respond from the grounded peace of Christ.

Julene recently co-founded Everyday Peacemaking with her husband, Steve Tumolo, to help Christian leaders cultivate the inner resources needed for the hard and holy work of transforming conflict. She believes discipleship and conflict are intertwined practices of holiness where formation meets the courage to love in difficult places.

A former professor of Intercultural Studies at Eastern Nazarene College, Julene now teaches classes on the inner life, spiritual direction, pilgrimage, and conflict transformation at Northwest Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary. Her Substack, Human Is a Verb, invites readers to explore what it means to become deeply human in turbulent times through reflection, theology, and storytelling.

Julene offers one-on-one and group spiritual direction and welcomes new clients. She and Steve are also available to collaborate with churches and organizations seeking to grow in the ministry of reconciliation and everyday peacemaking.

Deep and Light Dialog:
Holy Listening with Dr. Julene Tegerstand

October 19th at 6:45pm (EST)

Use code NEWENGLAND for $10 off the cost of the gathering

Spiritual Formation Book Club:
The Pastor as Midwife: Life-Giving Leadership for the Healing of the Church
(by Rev. Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines)

This online book club for NED pastors will gathering four times on Monday nights starting January 11th from 7:30 - 8:45 PM, covering two chapters each time we gather.

Retreat Spaces for Pastors & Ministers

Below are some retreat locations that pastors can use for personal retreats, sermon preparation, or just to get away for restoration. Sometimes these are offered at a discounted rate for those in ministry. Other times, we've just found them to be a meaningful and sacred space. If you know of such a place within our district, please let us know. Here are a couple you may be interested in. Reach out directly to the location for more information.

Locations:

Sabbath House - Ludlow, MA Faith Community Chapel Church of the Nazarene
Rolling Ridge - North Andover, MA
Glastonbury Abbey - Hingham, MA
Wixson Ministry Cabin - Tuftonboro, NH (available for at-will donation)
Mirror Lake Retreat Center - Milan, NY (in conjunction with the Metro District Church of the Nazarene)
North Lake Tahoe - Kings Beach, CA (in conjunction with the Sacramento District Church of the Nazarene)

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