ABOUT CFDM NORTHWEST
Christian Formation & Direction Ministries Northwest (CFDM NW) is a Christian ministry offering intentional learning communities in which to explore the soul-shaping experience of God in all of life. We train spiritual directors in the Pacific Northwest, and the U.S., to companion others on their journey with God.
OUR MISSION PROMISE
Our mission is to encourage Christian soul formation by focusing on practices, disciplines, and ways of being that enable us to hear, see, and respond to God’s invitation to deepen our relationship with the Trinity. Our Spiritual Formation program offers immersive learning experiences for nurturing a healthy Christian spirituality, while our contemplative Spiritual Direction and Supervision programs provide resources, support, and training for those called to the ministry of spiritual direction.
OUR VISION
Our vision as leaders and faculty of CFDM Northwest is to see students grow in their knowledge and experience of God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is our hope that, as they “go deeper with God” by learning and practicing the traditional disciplines of the Christian faith in an intentional community, they will more easily discern the actions and nudges of God in their own lives and become increasingly able to help others on the journey of faith.
Our Spiritual Direction Training program is an alternative to seminary for mature lay Christians who want training in offering spiritual direction and the contemplative life. It offers practical hands-on training, including courses in spiritual theology, spiritual traditions, spiritual formation, along with practicum, case studies, and supervision in giving and receiving spiritual direction.
We also hope to develop networks of spiritual directors who will be friends, guides and co-laborers with God in helping others grow into deeper love for God and formed into the image and likeness of Jesus. Through CFDM, individual Christians will find personal support and encouragement to help them live out the Christian life. Churches of many denominations will be called to work together, sharing faith traditions and giving witness to the world of the unifying love of God in Christ.
OUR STORY
CFDM was formed in 2001 by Douglas and Catherine Gregg to help “lead others into a renewed love for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through spiritual formation and the art of spiritual direction.” The Rev. Dr. Catherine Gregg is Canon for the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada. Dr. Gregg is a Presbyterian minister and Certified Teacher of Contemplative Outreach. Both have served as seminary educators.
The central focus of the vision the Greggs had was to “establish and develop relational networks of spiritual directors in regions in the western United States for purposes of continuing education and formation, referral, and partnership for spiritual directors. Toward this purpose, training programs in Christian formation and spiritual direction have been offered, along with ongoing supervision, and continuing support, encouragement, and enrichment for spiritual directors.” The specific “training of spiritual directors” is a major thrust of CFDM and is supportive of the central value of developing relational networks of spiritual directors. Many members of the current networks have been trained in other programs, and we have consciously avoided developing training programs in areas that already have excellent resources. The classic ancient practices of the Christian faith, and an appreciation of distinct and complementary historic streams of the Christian faith, ground our Formation program.
CFDM Northwest was the first of five regions established, followed by Southern California, Central California, Arizona and Nevada, with the possibility of more in the future. Douglas retired from overall leadership of CFDM in 2019 at 78 years of age. He and Catherine continue as active leaders in CFDM, but now serve within a region led by others. For a list of CFDM regional affiliates please visit our Resources page.
The purpose of CFDM is captured in the words of Jesus who invites us to come take a rest: “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matt 11:28-29 - The Message) In and through CFDM, we hope people are finding these “unforced rhythms of grace.”
3719 S Manito Blvd, Spokane WA 99203, USA
