The Charis Story
The Charis program began as a vision in the heart of Rev. Kathy Brun, who was appointed Director of the Spiritual Formation and Teaching Ministries for the Texas Annual Conference by Bishop Alfred Norris in 2001. Soon Rev. Brun began seeking other United Methodist spiritual directors in hopes of creating a training program for spiritual directors in our conference undergirded by Wesleyan theology.
In 2004, a dedicated task force gathered for a discernment retreat. There, individual gifts and interests were assessed, tasks were defined, and the Charis board was formed, with the late Rev. Phyllis Carey as chair. The following spring, Cross Connection published an invitational article, the board sent applications to interested laity and clergy, and candidate interviews began. In August 2005, the first class of Charis participants gathered at Lakeview for an opening retreat and for the beginning of their process of becoming spiritual directors.
In May 2020, the Charis Program moved their affiliation from The Texas Annual Conference to The Texas Gathered Community of Spiritual Directors 501c3. This action put the program in alignment and in relationship not only to area Spiritual Directors, but to Spiritual Directors on a national level. This has provided engaging opportunities and growth.
The three-year Charis program includes 450 class hours and six retreats that are contemplative and experiential in nature. There is a focus on personal spiritual growth and formational process as each Charis participant continues to discern God’s call to this Spirit-led ministry. Six classes have completed the program and serve in a wide range of capacities, enriching the spiritual life of individuals, groups and congregations.
The Charis program began as a vision in the heart of Rev. Kathy Brun, who was appointed Director of the Spiritual Formation and Teaching Ministries for the Texas Annual Conference by Bishop Alfred Norris in 2001. Soon Rev. Brun began seeking other United Methodist spiritual directors in hopes of creating a training program for spiritual directors in our conference undergirded by Wesleyan theology.
In 2004, a dedicated task force gathered for a discernment retreat. There, individual gifts and interests were assessed, tasks were defined, and the Charis board was formed, with the late Rev. Phyllis Carey as chair. The following spring, Cross Connection published an invitational article, the board sent applications to interested laity and clergy, and candidate interviews began. In August 2005, the first class of Charis participants gathered at Lakeview for an opening retreat and for the beginning of their process of becoming spiritual directors.
In May 2020, the Charis Program moved their affiliation from The Texas Annual Conference to The Texas Gathered Community of Spiritual Directors 501c3. This action put the program in alignment and in relationship not only to area Spiritual Directors, but to Spiritual Directors on a national level. This has provided engaging opportunities and growth.
The three-year Charis program includes 450 class hours and six retreats that are contemplative and experiential in nature. There is a focus on personal spiritual growth and formational process as each Charis participant continues to discern God’s call to this Spirit-led ministry. Six classes have completed the program and serve in a wide range of capacities, enriching the spiritual life of individuals, groups and congregations.