“The Metagem program had a profound spiritual impact on my spiritual life and practices. One of the great blessings has been the community of supportive friends I made in the program who continue to enrich my life.” —J.M. (2017-2019 Cohort)
“My experience in the Spiritual Direction program at Metagem Institute provided me with a strong foundation in spiritual direction. Faculty were knowledgeable, accessible, and well versed in their presentations. The setting at Camp McDowall provided an environment in nature that enabled all there to readily experience Christ everywhere. Friends made while attending the program became very dear and will remain so for years to come.” —K.W.S. (2018-2020 Cohort)
“Participation in the Spiritual Direction program broadened my knowledge base and strengthened my faith. What I learned and experienced during my time in the program has been beneficial personally, professionally, and spiritually. Not to mention, I made friends I will have for a lifetime.” —B.R. (2018-2020 Cohort)
“Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this study. It has already changed my insight, my outlook, and my life.” —E.Y. (2016-2018 Cohort)
“Upon entering Metagem’s program, I had a bit of willingness, a great longing for God, and a desire to know myself more deeply. Sitting parallel to my desires was a big cloud of doubt surrounding my worthiness to be in the program, as my faith was anything but solid. What I found was a staff and cohort of loving, searching individuals willing to be vulnerable. Metagem runs on love, wisdom, and spiritual literacy. Transformation happens at Metagem with the slightest bit of willingness.” —A.T. (2016-2018 Cohort)
“Metagem’s Spiritual Direction Formation Program has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.” —P.H. (2016-2018 Cohort)
“Metagem’s program has had a great impact personally and, beyond that, I am truly recognizing a great need in the church to have people available for someone to share their spiritual journey with; to be open, aware, and personal with what God is speaking into their life.” —J.A. (2016-2018 Cohort)
“The Metagem Spiritual Direction Training is well designed with a wide variety of readings, recordings, practices, experiences, and presentation. Tremendous community and growth has been available to me through small, medium, and larger sized cohort gatherings. I will forever treasure the tools, exercises, and lifelong network of spiritual companions from the experience.” —B.H.H. (2019-2021 Cohort)
“The benefits of Metagem’s program have definitely outweighed any sacrifices of time. In preparation for possibly helping others with spiritual direction, the course helps you extensively explore your own spirituality, which has been very beneficial for me. This program has already helped me be a better listener and friend to anyone God places in my life. The training involves lots of self-reflection, philosophical thought, and spiritual growth with an ultimate focus on ministering to others.” —J.P. (2016-2018 Cohort)
“For me the Metagem program was a time of deepening and expanding my own spiritual journey, of thoughtful discernment, and of developing new “soul” friends. I’m grateful for our weekends together at Camp McDowell. I’m even grateful for all the homework! And I’m grateful for a program that has led me to a new vocation. Thank you Metagem faculty and staff for taking good care of us. Your work is increasing access to spiritual direction in our region.” —P.F. (2018-2020 Cohort)
“As I come toward the end of my experience with Metagem’s Spiritual Direction Training Program, I want to express my gratitude for something meant to go unnoticed. The bones of this program are beautiful. It is evident to me that an enormous amount of care for the soul went into the design of this two-year experience. My intellect was richly challenged, my heart expanded with new skill in opening to others, but it’s this ineffable capacity of soul — to be at once in connection with the Divine and with the mundane present — that feels most enlivened. I attribute this to the bones of this program, and to the faculty’s trust.
We were reminded again and again to be aware of, to make room for, and to trust the Holy Spirit as the true Spiritual Director of any spiritual direction session we offered. Looking back on the two year arc of our time in training, I realize that every element of an excellent session of spiritual direction was modeled for us in the training itself: careful planning, love for the participants, trust that the bones are sufficient for the Holy Spirit to breathe life into as we lift up the directee(s) with our listening attention. If I never offered spiritual direction after leaving this program, I would be grateful that my soul is stronger, my connection to the Divine a greater source of trusted strength in my life, and a renewed source of wisdom and compassion in my actions. But I will offer Spiritual Direction. I’m inspired!” —K.T. (2019-2021 Cohort)