“Traveling alongside an intimate group of 30 others through School of the Spirit, the most significant impact for me was becoming an open source for Living Water to flow through me back to others as we co-invest our lives marked by the Resurrected Christ. In a volatile society, the alternative Way of Jesus is calling now more than ever. It was a true honor to participate. Forever grateful!”
“Every three months for a year, I traveled from Virginia to a secluded retreat house in Statesville, NC for a 2-day immersion retreat with 30 others to tend my soul. School of the Spirit provided me a safe and sacred place where I was able to have a deep conversation with God, where I found myself, and where I could be me. It was truly a life-giving and life-transforming experience. God can use it to change your life, too.”
“The School of the Spirit experience was one of the most profound gatherings of which I have been privileged to be part during the history of my ministry. It introduced me to ways of opening to God during my quiet time to empower me in the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. I have become more aware of the movements of their presence in the natural world.”
“The School of the Spirit fills pastors back up so they can lead and guide congregations. It provides rich, trustworthy community which is much needed in the sometimes isolating work of ministry.”
- Rev. Ashley Pickerel Thomas, Stokesdale UMC, Stokesdale, NC
“The School of the Spirit is one of the finest renewal experiences I know of for ministers. I know first-hand how thirsty we ministers can get giving other people water. This is a great stop by the well.”
- Rev. Jody Seymour, Former Senior Pastor, Davidson UMC, Davidson, NC
"The School of the Spirit helped me to remember the significance of the verb, ‘be.’ The action words that describe leadership in the church can include ‘preach,’ ‘evangelize,’ ‘organize,’ ‘teach,’ ‘mediate,’ ‘serve,’ and many more. Yet, clergy and laity alike must first ‘be’ still and ‘be’ open for the Spirit of God to love, heal, teach, and transform us. Otherwise, true ministry can’t happen."
- Rev. Craig Allen, United Methodist Clergy
"I am ever grateful to School of the Spirit! SOS has helped me develop a daily practice of Centering Prayer, a weekly practice of Sabbath, a clergy accountability group, and spiritual direction. I now lead two congregations from a place of inner peace, Christ living within me, where I surrender myself and consent to God’s presence and action within me. Concrete evidence of this Holy Spirit directed leadership may be found in the equipping, participation and leadership of the laity in all the ministries of the church, but especially in ministries with children and youth in our community. (P.S.—Thank you for two years of SOS! It took more than one year for me to let go and let God!)"
- Rev. Naomi King | Bethel-Marvin UMC, Stony Point, NC
"As a church leader, I have been directed to take continuing education in church leadership, programming, and changing the church culture. The School of the Spirit has reminded and empowered me to go to the Basics of Jesus – the study of the Scriptures, the silence and power of prayer, the importance of the covenant community, and regularly taking time away for Sabbath. This year of study, time, and experience was invaluable to me. I will carry all that I have learned for a lifetime, both personally and professionally. The School of the Spirit is truly a gift to whoever walks through the doors. Thanks be to God."
- Rev. Kelley Groce | Centenary UMC, Greensboro, NC
