Spiritual Discernment in College Communities

Young adults are often uniquely able to pose genuine questions about what God is calling them to do or to be. Listening Hearts Ministries offers rich spiritual experiences to groups of college students, honoring this receptivity and often leading to new paths of self-discovery and growth. Our retreats and workshops introduce the practice of spiritual discernment to people desiring to open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance. Here are a few examples of the programs we offer to college communities:

One Day Introductory Workshops include an introduction to spiritual discernment, creative meditation activities, and time for silence, song, and reflection on scripture, as well as group sharing. In this intimate and prayerful
atmosphere, students generate their own discernment questions, learning to open to God and each other.

Two or Three Day Retreats offer students the opportunity to learn experientially what spiritual discernment is all about. These retreats are intensive times for reflection and openness to the Holy Spirit, and are structured around creative meditation, small group sharing, and reflection. Carrying an individual discernment issue over the course of the retreat, students become connected to one another and more receptive to God’s call in their lives.

Training Week for Trainers is a week-long retreat that trains student interns/leaders, chaplains, and chaplain staff in the practice of spiritual discernment with the goal of creating a sustainable campus discernment ministry. Our program, through meditation and experiential learning, prepares a student/staff team that can in turn teach others to become “discerners,” offering supportive, confidential small groups to aid anyone seeking clarity and attunement to God’s call in his or her life. Listening Hearts Ministries provides various forms of support to keep the ministry sustainable: a renewal retreat, ongoing access to program associates for advice and guidance, included materials, and the opportunity to enhance the ministry with a later Grounded in God training. A campus discernment group brings great meaning to the lives of discerners and discernment-seekers alike.

What students are saying about Listening Hearts campus programs:

"It was great to be able to share and to listen to what others had to say."

"(I learned to) clear my mind of outside worries...the meditation time gave me the change to really think about my relationship with God."

"Everyone seemed to really care about others' spiritual well-being."

"The workshop reminded me that it is important to take a break from the world to reflect and be with God."

To learn more , contact the Listening Hearts office at 410-366-1851 or email the Rev. Monique Ellison.