BA (Hons) P.G.C.E PGCert
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The School of Contemplation
The School of Contemplation is a space to explore spiritual formation — the slow, grace-filled shaping of the soul through presence, practice, and community — and an opportunity to lean into the lifelong process of living out the desire Paul expresses in Galatians 4:19: "That Christ be formed in you — by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, for the good of others and to the glory of God."
Are you looking to slow down?
Do these themes speak to your heart?
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Presence Over Performance
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Desire Over Duty
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(Inter) Dependence Over Self-Sufficiency
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Vulnerability Over Self-Protection
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Gratitude Over Entitlement
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Embodied Over Fragmented
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Mercy Over Judgement
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Mystery Over Certainty
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Consent Over Control
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Are you ready to explore new ways of praying and being?
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If so, we invite you to join us for Sustainable Faith’s School of Contemplation — a 9-month, once-a-month retreat rhythm designed to offer space to experience, reflect, and be nourished.
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This is an opportunity to explore spiritual formation — the slow, grace-filled shaping of the soul through presence, practice, and community — and an invitation to lean into the lifelong process of living out the desire Paul expresses in Galatians 4:19: "That Christ be formed in you — by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, for the good of others and to the glory of God."
Each month, we will gather together for a simple supper, engage in shared contemplative practices, experience interactive teaching, and rest in a welcoming environment that nurtures deep listening and authentic presence.
As you embark on this journey, you will be invited to reflect on three key texts, reading one chapter each month, while exploring different ways of praying and being. You’ll also be encouraged to work with a spiritual director to process the insights and stirrings that arise during our time together. If you do not yet have a spiritual director, Sustainable Faith provides a directory of trained directors who are available to support you as you reflect, grow, and deepen your spiritual journey.
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Interested?
If you are drawn to explore whether this journey is right for you, don't hesitate to get in touch - I would be delighted to hear from you! In addition to personal growth, this school also serves as a valuable introductory course for those considering spiritual direction training or further development in pastoral vocations.
Cost?
The cost of the School is £600.
A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required by Sept 1st 2025. This will be followed by 9 monthly payments of £56 over the course of 9 consecutive months.
Additional cost information: Books (which are minimal) and monthly spiritual direction are not included.
Dates
Our next Contemplative School begins in October 2025
Dates & Time for the Wiltshire School: 6-10 pm
3 October
7 November
5 December
9 January
6 February
6 March
3 April
1 May
5 June
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Specific Dates & Time for Bristol TBC
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Please note this is an in-person gathering for people in the Southwest of England area. If you are interested in this course but need an online option, please visit the Sustainable Faith website for further information.
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When completing your application, please indicate under the section 'Anything else that feels important to share with us?' that you are applying for the in-person School of Contemplation with Sam Whiley.
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Testimonials
I’ve found being part of a like-minded community very fruitful. The opportunity to accompany and be accompanied has meant I’ve been able to bring spiritual practices to life. Sam and Jason live in this space and have nurtured the practice of bringing spiritual formation into the everyday in an authentic and engaging way, offering insight shaped by their own experiences.
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Hannah Bain
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At this stage of my life and faith journey, I find myself increasingly drawn to the contemplative style of worship. But I have struggled to find somewhere where I can explore this more fully. So this course came at just the right time for me. We are a few months in now and I am so enjoying it for a variety of reasons. I really look forward to meeting each month with a group of like-minded people. Sam and Jason create a welcoming, safe place where we can come together to explore the different themes without any judgment. The reading material has opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about things and I've found it helpful to explore the different practices in between sessions. Knowing that we will share our experiences of these practices in the group has encouraged me to try them rather than just think about them!
Overall I would say this course has been hugely significant in my faith journey and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discover more about the Contemplative Life within a welcoming and safe environment
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Fiona Firmin
Sam and Jason have a special gift for hosting and facilitating with love and care. Their insights, drawn from rich experience, help bring clarity and meaning to the different themes and practices we explore. Being part of a group has made the journey even more enriching — as we've gotten to know each other, it has become a really safe, authentic space to grow and explore.
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So far, the journey has been far more impactful than I ever expected — I would highly recommend it. I’m drawn to contemplative ways of being because they feel like the most real and authentic ways I’ve found to know God, and to see and hear Him. God is in everything, so it makes the most sense to me to open up to ways of connecting that go beyond simply singing some songs and praying sometimes.
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This experience is beginning to join the dots of what I was seeking but hadn’t been able to find before: a real connection and relationship with Jesus. I’ve loved learning that imagination is a gift from God that He uses to draw me closer. This course has been profoundly impactful in shaping my core understanding of who God is and how He sees me.
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One of the biggest shifts I’ve noticed is how I relate to myself: I’m starting to not run away from the hard things, or from God. I’m beginning to be able to linger longer and stay curious because I’m learning that He is my safe space.
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CY