A Soul Care Journey for Clergy on Sabbatical
WayPoint
A Guided 8-Session Discernment Series
WayPoint is a trusted point of reference — a marker for finding your location and charting your next steps.
Discernment is the practice of perceiving what is often hidden: the deeper truths about your authentic self, your calling, and what the Spirit might be revealing in this season.
This 8-session package is designed especially for clergy taking sabbatical time. It offers a gentle but intentional way to pause, listen, and recalibrate your life and vocation with the help of a skilled Soul Care Practitioner, your own circle of trusted people, and the deep wisdom of Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak — which serves as a companion text throughout this journey.
The total cost for this 8-session series is $595 (one session complimentary, compared to the standard rate of $85/session). Participants are expected to acquire their own copy of Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak, which will serve as a companion text throughout our time together.
Who Is This For?
- Clergy stepping away from daily ministry to rest and realign
- Pastors seeking practical, guided steps for deeper self-understanding
- Those longing to clarify what is life-giving, authentic, and sustainable for their next season
- Leaders and congregations who wish to invest in the well-being and longevity of their pastor
The Eight Sessions
Beginning the Journey
- Introductions & setting intentions
- Establishing a covenant agreement for trust and confidentiality
- Where do you need clarity in discovering your authentic self?
- Introduction to Let Your Life Speak
- Naming your trusted circle: 3–7 people who care about you and will speak truth kindly and clearly
- A gentle reminder: Be gentle with yourself as you enter this work.
Is the Way Open or Closed?
- Listening for the open or closed way
- Exploring the roles you occupy — beyond your job title
- Naming what parts of each role feel authentic — and what does not
Values Assessment
- Deep dive into your personal values
- Guided exercise: Narrowing your values from 300 to your core 3–5
- Seeking trusted input: Which values do others see in you?
- Naming where your values flourish in your roles
The Truth Filter
- Naming what's been said about you — good, bad, indifferent
- Sorting what is true and what is not
- Letting go of false narratives
- Keeping what is real, even if uncomfortable — so you can tend it with intention
Life-Giving Practices
- When are you most alive, at peace, fulfilled? Who are you with? Where are you?
- Designing a personal solo retreat: silent, reflective time to listen for the Divine and your own soul
- Find a place where the trees speak softly or the water moves slowly — a place where your soul can breathe.
- Journaling insights: What is being revealed?
Rituals, Routines, Habits
- Mapping your daily and weekly patterns
- Noticing what feels authentic vs. manufactured
- Gentle adjustments: Shaping sustainable, life-giving rituals
Refining & Naming
- Clarify your core values and how you live them
- Name what is life-giving and how you will protect it
- Draft your Personal Statement of Authenticity — concise, true, evolving
Celebrate & Share
- Gathering your trusted circle for affirmation and witness
- Sharing your discoveries in a safe, non-advising space — a Circle of Trust
- Blessing the journey ahead
Optional Extras
At regular session rates
- Additional sessions for deeper exploration
- Follow-up check-ins after sabbatical ends
- SMARTER Goals Workshop
SMARTER Goals Workshop
- SSpecific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
- MMeasurable: Include quantifiable metrics to track progress.
- AActionable: Focus on actions you can take to move towards your goal.
- RRisky: Push yourself outside your comfort zone.
- TTime-bound: Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency.
- EExciting: Choose goals that genuinely excite you and motivate you.
- RRelevant: Ensure the goal aligns with your values and overall objectives.
Investment
The cost for this guided 8-session series is $595 — one session is complimentary compared to the standard $85/session rate. Participants are expected to purchase their own copy of Parker Palmer's Let Your Life Speak, which we'll use throughout our time together.
Your Next WayPoint
If you or your leadership are considering how this series might serve your sabbatical season, let's connect. I'd be honored to walk alongside you in this vital and sacred work.
Wherever you find yourself, may you listen well, rest deeply, and trust what is being revealed.
Let's ConnectStephen Dilworth — Soul Care Practitioner | WayPoint Discernment Series