A recent Commitment to Discipleship class on a retreat

An invitation to deepen your relationship with God

What is a Commitment to Discipleship?

Through participation in and practice of the Christian life of faith, through critical reflection on one's faith and life in the light of the Christian life of faith, and through instruction to acquire knowledge and skill important to the Christian life, the following aims will be addressed:

  • Develop a personal spiritual discipline and deepen one's relation with God
  • Reflect and make decisions on the Baptismal vows and covenant
  • Acquire a greater understanding of what it means to be an Episcopalian and Anglican
  • Learn to interpret Scripture, think theologically, and make moral decisions

How do I know if this is for me?

This class may be of interest if you:

  • Desire to be baptized
  • Have been baptized but never publicly acknowledged your baptism
  • Have been baptized and wish to be received into the Episcopal Church
  • Have been baptized but have been inactive in the life of the Church for a period of time and wish now to make a new beginning by reaffirming your faith
  • Have been baptized, confirmed, and are a long-time active member of the Episcopal Church and seek spiritual renewal

I am not an Episcopalian, have not made a commitment to become one - or even Christian - but I am a "seeker." May I still attend?

In Jesus' words to the disciples of John, "Come and See." John 1:39

What will I experience?

Join us as you deepen your relationship with God. These sessions will offer a learning community based on the six values of The Way of Life: creative work, holy leisure, stewardship, diverse community, humility, and peace. You will experience interactive large and small group discussions, meditation, journaling, reflection, worship, and body prayer in a safe and welcoming environment.

What is the time commitment?

This Eastertide program, April 15 - May 27, consists of:

  • Five (5) one-hour classes held on Sundays at 10am
  • Two Saturday retreat days from 10am to 3pm, April 21 and May 26
  • One weekend retreat at the Stony Point Center, Stony Point, NY, on Friday, May 18 6pm
    through lunch Sunday, May 20
  • and some preparation by participants at home.

Participants have the opportunity to receive sacramental affirmation on the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, May 27, 2012, when the bishop visits for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and Re-Affirmation of Vows.

Where will classes be held?

With the exception of the weekend retreat, the program will be held at Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street.

The weekend retreat will be held at Stony Point Center, Stony Point, NY.

Is there a cost?

Shared room for the weekend is $200 per person, or $280 for a single room, including meals. Easy transportation by Rockland Coaches from Port Authority is available at an additional cost. A deposit of $50 must be received at time of registration. Scholarships are available. There is no charge for all other classes and retreat days.

How do I register?

Contact the Faith Formation & Education Office at ChristianFormation@trinitywallstreet.org or call 1.800.457.0224

Leadership Team

The Rev. Canon James G. Callaway, D.D., Deputy for Anglican Partnerships and Faith Formation, is a spiritual director and retreat leader whose practice has been shaped by Benedictine, Ignatian, and eastern traditions. This is the thirteenth Commitment to Discipleship team he has been part of at Trinity.

Leah E. Kozak, is a photographer and technology consultant. Her practice has been shaped by her roots in Evangelical Christianity. At Trinity she serves with the Bowery Residents’ Committee Volunteer Outreach program, Commitment to Discipleship, and the Healing Prayer Ministry.

Westina Matthews Shatteen, Ph.D., Adjunct, General Theological Seminary, is an author, public speaker, retreat leader, and spiritual director whose practice reflects contemplative living through “holy listening.” A graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation, she has led numerous spiritual retreats and workshops in parishes and churches in the greater New York metropolitan area.

Tapua D. Tunduwani, PMP, is an electrical engineer, information technology project manager, and entrepreneur whose practice has been shaped by Ignatian and customary African traditions. He has led and participated in various spiritual direction teams and parish groups at spiritual retreats and programs including Prison Ministry, Commitment to Discipleship, and Trinity Academy for Social Leadership.

“The Commitment to Discipleship was pivotal in helping me reorient and refocus my relationship with God and Christ, and moved the relationship to a deeper, more authentic companionship.” —Gigi, Class of 2009

“My understanding and experience of God has changed during my life.  Commitment to Discipleship helped me identify turning points, but better yet, made deep spiritual introspection and appreciation of all moments in life’s journey paramount in my everyday being.” —Cynthia, Class of 2009

"In addition to being a potent spiritual experience, Commitment to Discipleship is the best way to become a part of the Trinity Wall Street family. If you've been visiting for a while and would like to get better connected with our community, this program is for you." —Scott, Class of 2011

“For many years, I have meant to be baptized and so I saw the Commitment to Discipleship as the perfect opportunity to finally take this major step as an adult. Tapua, Westina, and Jamie were incredibly welcoming and insightful leaders, and my fellow classmates made the experience all the more memorable. I highly recommend the Commitment to Discipleship course as a way to become more thoroughly integrated into Trinity Wall Street and our larger faith.” —Elizabeth, Class of 2011

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