Announcing Spiritual Ecology for Spiritual Leaders Fellowship Program: Call for Participants 2023

Auburn Theological Seminary and The BTS Center are partnering to offer a four-day gathering in Portland, Maine, for early-career leaders working toward communal justice.

Spiritual Ecology for Spiritual Leaders aims to provide participants with an immersive experience centered around connection with the Earth, stories of collective spiritual ecology, and each other.

The program will take place from Sunday, August 27, to Wednesday, August 30, 2023. It is open to US residents, with preference given to applicants located in New England. All expenses, including lodging, will be covered, and a stipend will be provided.

Spiritual Ecology for Spiritual Leaders is part of the Thriving in Ministry/Emerging Leaders project housed at Auburn Seminary. The program seeks to equip pastors, faith leaders, and other spirit-rooted leaders with the prophetic imagination, networks of mentorship, and ongoing peer support necessary to lead and minister effectively in the face of rapidly changing contexts today. To date, this program has included regional gatherings of faith and community leaders across the United States, with participants from various religions and cultural backgrounds.

During the program, participants will immerse themselves in restful and comforting practices of nature connection, artistic expression, meal sharing, and storytelling. There will also be time for reflection on challenging questions about the climate crisis and historical and contemporary experiences of the native tribes in Maine, known collectively as the Wabanaki, “People of the Dawn.” Through this program, we hope to seed lasting connections that can grow as needed into regional forms of solidarity, encouragement, and collaboration.

Spiritual leadership is an ecology of diverse commitments to justice, and the program aims to provide spiritual leaders with an opportunity to deepen their relationship with wild nature, align themselves with Earth’s regenerative tendencies, and reconceptualize their relational, ethical, and political commitments toward the flourishing of all living beings and landscapes on Earth.

If you’re interested in applying for the Spiritual Ecology for Spiritual Leaders program, please fill out the interest form by May 26. The program is open to early-career spiritual leaders, and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. We hope that each leader will return to their community with creativity flowing, imagination sparking, body rested, and spirit renewed.

At a time when spiritual leaders must come together to create “nurturing conditions for the imperceptible to blossom” (Báyó Akómoláfé), we hope that you will consider applying to be a part of this transformative program.

Apply Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeo6hU7S06j32942tEk_h14BX0B7-bi6CNBpm_ay10WrrGiVQ/viewform