SDI Educators Gathering – August 2026

Join us on August 19th, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 p.m. PST for the Spiritual Director Educators Gathering. This 90-minute session will introduce participants to The Collegeville first person method, a contemplative framework for listening, discernment, and shared life across difference. Through a mix of plenary reflection, small-group conversation, and shared harvesting, we will explore how spiritual leaders, directors and formation programs can honor multiplicity while maintaining a thread of care, truthfulness, and mutual responsibility. The session will be both practical and participatory, drawing on the wisdom of those gathered as we consider what helps communities remain open, tender, and grounded in lived experience

Bio

Rev. Dr. Aizaiah G. Yong, PhD, is a scholar-practitioner of spirituality and mysticism and ordained pentecostal clergy in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with strong ties to the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. His life and work are deeply rooted in the lived experience of navigating complex identities bridging academic theology, executive stewardship, and psychospiritual care to create spaces of radical belonging.

He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Collegeville Institute (CI) for Ecumenical and Cultural Research. At this historic interdisciplinary residential research center, he advances intercultural dialogue and cross-sector innovation through rhythms of contemplation, community discernment, first-person reflection, and evidence-informed approaches to promote collective healing.

If you are part of a spiritual direction formation program or a guide or mentor to spiritual companions, we invite you to join us.