We seek to carry out our mission via the ongoing avenues of open forum, dialogue, conversation, consultation, resource development and sharing, research, and training in the field of Christian spirituality and formation.
- Spiritual formation/spiritual direction collaborative partnerships and networking
- Spiritual formation workshops, seminars, courses, conferences, and retreats
- School of Spiritual Direction (hybrid online/residency training program)
- Centered in Christ
- Broadly ecumenical
- Decidedly centrist in its thrust
- Diversified in target and approach
- International in scope (global reach)
- Both classical and contemporary in perspective (ancient-future)
- Balanced emphasis of academic and praxis
- Inspired and informed by the spiritual teachings of Henri Nouwen
Our logo incorporates the symbol of the wagon wheel with special focus on the hub. The visual image of the wagon wheel represents the metaphorical “Center”—symbolizing various shades of meaning, particularly but not exclusively:
- God as our center point
- Christ as the center of everything
- Our true self (God-imaged self/the core of who we are)
- The meeting point of the human and the divine (God/self)
- The self/soul/heart
- State of groundedness (stillpoint)
- Ultimate reality (the kingdom of God within)
- The source of our being
- Our central point of reference
- The focal point of integration
As journeyers on a continual quest, we aim to:
- Discover our center
- Move toward the center
- Claim our center
- Identify with the center
- Stick to the center
- Live in the center
- Draw from the center
- Minister out of our center
Affiliate Partners
CQ seeks to partner with other likeminded entities involved in the work of spiritual formation for collaborative efforts and networking purposes. While still in the process of being updated, feel free to check out our current list of confirmed CQ Affiliate Partners (AP).
The School of Spiritual Direction
The School of Spiritual Direction (SSD) is CenterQuest’s primary thrust. CQ International launched its inaugural cohort in January of 2015. After graduation of the fifth cohort last March of 2022, CQ entered into a contemplative pause to evaluate and assess the program. Currently the Board decided unanimously to put CQ SSD International on hold.
CQ Asia-SSD pilot program was launched last January 2023 in Manila, Philippines (see https://CQAsia-SSD.com for more info). Cohort 6 cycle for CQ International is temporarily postponed for the time being until further notice. Be sure to check our School of Spiritual Direction (SSD) page for the most up-to-date information.