Humility : a retreat of ritual and pathways

Abstract

This project contains an action research impact study that developed a retreat for first-call, rural, Midwestern, male pastors in their first five years of ministry. The retreat intended for these pastors to have a meaningful experience of humility during three primary retreat components: 1) a ritual where personal titles, roles, successes, accomplishments, ordinations, and worldly gains were removed; 2) large-group sessions with activities designed to develop self-awareness; and 3) small-group sessions based on “Circle of Trust Touchstones.” Contributing to the field of practical theology, this project includes intensive qualitative research regarding the impact of the three components on retreat participants. The project also includes an articulation of the ways in which the action research affected the spiritual formation of the researcher.