The Soul Care Institute curriculum is divided into six carefully thought-out themes. Each theme is taught in its own separate retreat and generally in the order given below.

Theme 1

ARCHITECTURE OF THE SOUL

A comprehensive overview of caring for the soul using historical, theological and practical insights to aid in a practice of soul care.

• Overview of the two-year experience

• What is soul care and how do we care for the soul?

• Surveying ancient models of soul care

• Understanding the Jesus Way; developing a rhythm for life

• Exploring the tools for soul care; classical spiritual exercises used in soul care

• Soul friends; the role of community and spiritual friendship

Theme 2

Soul Care as a catalyst for transformation

Understanding the transformation process; how change happens in one’s life.

• How does a person really change?

• Spiritual growth vs. inner change

• How is the soul renovated? Understanding the process

• Practices that create the climate for transformation

• Investigating illusions of how people change

• The role of the Holy Spirit

• Exploring common obstacles to transformation

Theme 3

exploring soul identity through the enneagram

The journey of transformation with the Enneagram.

• A deep look into the Enneagram

• Understanding our instinctual, emotional and intellectual center

• Introduction into the True Self-False Self dynamic

• Discovering a “Self to Lose and a Self to Find"

• Encouraging the Real You in work and ministry

Theme 4

becoming who you are

The movement from image management to our core identity as the beloved of God.

• The deeper journey into exploring the True Self-False Self dynamics of the soul

• Choosing to become the Real You

• Being and becoming the Beloved

• Mapping the journey

• Understanding the importance of limits and capacity

Theme 5

Integrating the Care of Your Soul with the World

Incorporating the Care of Your Soul with Living Care-Fully in a Care-Less World

• The active contemplative

• Discerning your true vocation and calling

• Developing a manual/field guide for life and work

• Developing your rule of life

• When spirituality collides with reality

• Exploring the intersection of soul and world

• Engaging the great needs of today with your soul’s delight

• For the sake of others—helping others

Theme 6

Critical Issues in The Care of the Soul

Exploring the critical issues the soul encounters as we live on this side of heaven

• Evil, suffering and pain—exploring the unholy trinity

• Understanding the importance of lament in the care of your soul

• Sexuality and brokenness

• The body-soul connection

• Brokenness, disillusionment (shattered dreams) and despair

• Hot topics and soul care