Transforming Hearts: An Ancient Wisdom Curriculum for Modern Congregations is a three-year program for active lay leaders in ECMN parishes who desire to grow and deepen in Christian contemplative practice.
In the first two years, through retreats, workshops, and small-group processes, participants learn spiritual practices to help ground and nurture their lives in God. During the third year, participants share what they have learned by developing a contemplative practice project to implement in their home parish.
The program includes five key components.
• First, offering a place of regular rest and generous hospitality to parish lay leaders.
• Second, fostering connections and community-building among leaders from Episcopal churches across Minnesota.
• Third, experiencing a variety of Christian prayer practices with an emphasis on listening and responding to God, self, and others.
• Fourth, engaging in an intentional, structured personal and communal spiritual formation process.
• And fifth, supporting each parish's group of four in developing their contemplative practice project.
Transforming Hearts is hosted at the Episcopal House of Prayer (EHoP) in Collegeville, and is fully underwritten by a Thriving Congregations Initiative grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Interested parishes should complete the form below and submit it before May 1, 2026.
Application forms with further information about the program will be sent out on May 15, 2026 to interested parishes.