Home › Resident Program › The Way of Ministry
A program of prayer, study, and experience
Under the care of the School of the Spirit Ministry, which is devoted to helping all who wish to be more faithful to the inward work of Christ
Co-sponsored with Pendle Hill
This program is designed for those who discern a clear call to ministry in the manner of Friends. The forms of ministry could include traveling under concern, teaching and facilitation, leadership for meetings and organizations, intervisitation, eldering or companion in ministry, peace making, seeking justice, and environmental witness.
Over nine months, including four residencies, participants will receive mutual support and grow in awareness of the movement of the Spirit and our capacity to respond faithfully. Essential program elements include worship, prayer, a peer group process to aid in discerning God's guidance, ministry experience, readings, experiential exercises, and reflection papers.
The four residencies at Pendle Hill total 17 days:
August 27-September 1, 2008 - Foundations of Friends' Ministry
December 3- December 7, 2008 - Inner and Outer Challenges of Prophetic Ministry
March 18- March 22, 2009 - Transformational Encounters; Surrendering to God
May 21- May 25, 2009 - Members of One Body; Hope for the Future
Teaching Staff:
Marcelle Martin completed the School of the Spirit's program in Contemplative Living and Prayer and the Shalem program in Spiritual Guidance. She is the Quaker Studies teacher at Pendle Hill and author of two Pendle Hill pamphlets. Chestnut Hill Meeting (PA) has minuted her ministry of spiritual nurture.
Laura Melly, a member of Chestnut Hill Meeting, completed the School of the Spirit's Spiritual Nurturer program and is pursuing a M.Div. degree.
She serves in teaching and nurture roles with Pendle Hill and the Friends General Conference (FGC) Traveling Ministries Program, and has worked with numerous Quaker organizations on governance, planning, and stewardship.
Beckey Phipps completed the School of the Spirit's Spiritual Nurturer program, has a graduate degree in theology, clerks the FGC Traveling Ministries Committee, and has served as a teacher at Pendle Hill. Fresh Pond Meeting (MA) has minuted its support of her ministry in adult religious education and spiritual nurture.
Program fee (tuition, room/board for residencies): $3,000, plus a $35 application fee and up to $200 for books. Financial aid is available.
Application deadline: June 1, 2008
This program is independent from the Pendle Hill Resident Program and requires a separate application. A prospectus and an application form are available at www.quakerinfo.com/sos.shtml. Email: sosministry@mindspring.com.
