For the Sake of Others: How Our Transformation Impacts the World
Spiritual transformation is the process by which Christ is formed in us for the glory of God, for the abundance of our own lives, and for the sake of others. It is both an end in itself in that it that brings glory to God and it is a means to other ends in that it enables us to mediate the presence of Christ to others and to discern loving action in the world. The litmus test of mature spirituality is obedience to Christ's commandment (Matthew 28:18-20), which always involves an increasing capacity to love God and to love others. (Mark 12:30, 31; I Corinthians 12; I John 4:7)
Loving presence and action in the world includes sharing our faith (evangelism), giving generously of our resources, reconciliation and peacemaking (interpersonally and also across lines of race, gender, socioeconomic status, and people groups), working for justice, exercising compassion and care for the poor, and working for the betterment of life in the human community in Jesus' name.
In this retreat we will take the next step on our journey of transformation by exploring how spiritual transformation motivates us to godly action in the world and how we continue to be transformed in the process.
Dr. M. Robert Mulholland Jr., esteemed author and New Testament theologian, is our guest presenter, offering his most recent theological and practical reflections on spirituality "for the sake of others" from the standpoint of cruciform love. In his teachings, he will reflect on cruciform love as the very essence of God's nature–looking at the cross not as something God "did" but as the deepest revelation of God's being. He will guide us in reflecting on Christian life and ministry as an expression of cruciform love in and for the world in the image of the cruciform God.
As always, this Transforming Center retreat offers teaching and guided experiences, fixed hour prayer, extended time in solitude, opportunities to connect with other leaders who have completed the Transforming Community and are experiencing their transformation as being for the sake of others.
When:
June 3-5, 2012 [Click to view schedule and retreat topics]
Who:
- Transforming Community Alumni
- Other leaders who have completed a similar program and demonstrates readiness (please complete interest form before registering).
Note: This is the ninth retreat of the Transforming Community®. It is not a part of the eight retreat series, but we consider this to be an essential component of the Transforming Community experience.
Where:
Chicago area
Marytown and Cardinal Stritch Retreat Centers
Libertyville, IL
Retreat leaders:
- Ruth Haley Barton– teacher, spiritual director, and retreat leader
- Rory Noland– worship leader
- Dr. M. Robert Mulholland Jr.– guest presenter and author of Invitation to a Journey, Shaped by the Word and The Deeper Journey, required texts in each Transforming Community
- …and the Transforming Center Team
Cost:
- $525 per retreat (all-inclusive, private room/bath)
- $495 per retreat discounted spouse rate
NOTE: If you are not a Tranforming Community alumni, you must
fill out an interest form before registering. We will notify you
with permission to register and pay for the retreat.
Interested in attending, but not a Transforming Community® alumni?
Click the button below to express your interest in attending For the Sake of Others. When space is available for you to register, we will contact you by email.
For information email us at info@thetransformingcenter.org or call us at 630-588-8133.
