Creative Disruption: Imagination, Calling, and Courageous Leadership in Changing Times

September 18, 5:00 PM - September 20, 1:00 PM

Presented by Rev. Dr. Shelley D. Best

Creative Discernment is a contemplative weekend retreat designed to support spiritually grounded leaders, seekers, and change makers who are navigating seasons of transition, uncertainty, or vocational reimagining. Building upon the Creative Disruption framework developed through years of retreat leadership and reflective practice, this program invites participants to engage disruption not simply as difficulty but as a sacred invitation to listen more deeply, imagine faithfully, and lead with renewed courage.

Through scripture reflection, contemplative prayer, creative exploration, dialogue circles, and guided discernment practices, participants are supported in clarifying their calling and cultivating spiritual resilience for leadership in a rapidly changing world. The retreat emphasizes interior listening, moral imagination, and communal wisdom. Participants leave with practical spiritual practices, renewed clarity of purpose, and concrete next steps for living their vocation with integrity and hope.

Retreat Overview

Across the weekend, participants will engage in a rhythm of silence, reflection, creative expression, and shared dialogue. The retreat is grounded in the understanding that imagination is a spiritual capacity that helps individuals and communities respond faithfully to disruption and change. The program introduces participants to the Phoenix Path of Creative Disruption, a spiritual leadership model that guides individuals through five movements: Stirring, Centering, Seeing, Choosing, and Rising. Through these movements, participants explore how personal and institutional disruption can become a pathway toward renewed vocation and courageous leadership.

Practices include contemplative scripture engagement, guided meditation, symbolic art making, reflective writing, small group spiritual direction style conversations, and nature based prayer experiences.

Rather than focusing on artistic skill or performance, the retreat centers accessibility, authenticity, and deep listening. Participants are encouraged to explore insight through prayer, moving meditation, imagination, and community reflection.

Intended Audience

This retreat is designed for: clergy and lay ministry leaders; nonprofit and community leaders; educators and spiritual directors; artists exploring vocation; individuals in midlife transition; seekers longing for clarity and renewed purpose. No prior experience with contemplative practice or artistic expression is required.

$445 | PRIVATE BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE BATH

$375 | PRIVATE BEDROOM WITH HALL BATH

$250 | COMMUTER

All meals are included: Dinner on Friday through Lunch on Sunday