Birch Path: Class of 2026
Welcome to the Birch Path: Class of 2026 Ministry Training course!
“We all have the same root and are connected. To tap into this connectedness we must go within”
Summerlyn Guthrie
The Six Strands of the Birch Curriculum
FAITH PATHS & WORLDVIEWS
We explore core principles of the world’s religions faiths and spiritual traditions, cultivating respectful, hospitable attitudes to cultural and religious differences through empathy and an experiential willingness to ‘walk in the shoes of the other’; we practice empathy, and look to finding the common ground in the basic human capacity for love.
CEREMONY & RITUAL
We reflect on the power of ritual and ceremony at the heart of family, faith and community, as we journey through the stages of life and death. We focus particularly on sacred elements of ritual and on the major rites of passage around baby blessings, partnership or marriage blessings and funerals and how we bring our own creativity to these timeless expressions of humanity.
DEEP LISTENING SKILLS
We emphasise truly listening – a practice that involves not just our ears, but also our hearts. By understanding and acknowledging the experiences and viewpoints of others, we develop our ability to communicate with empathy. This deep listening fosters a personal connection that transcends words, opening a gateway for genuine understanding and dialogue.
MINISTRY OF SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Putting our deep listening skills into practice by offering support just like a trusted friend would do. We learn to be truly present for others, holding space for heartfelt conversations, and walking alongside them without judgment. Spiritual Accompaniment is an ancient tradition of ‘soul friendship’, in which we support another in exploring their own sense of meaning and purpose, awe and wonder, their experience of spirituality, of soulfulness, the great mystery of the Eternal, in whatever way supports them.
PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
We explore helpful models, theories and practices and encourage grounded, holistic forms of spiritual practice, including physical forms of energy and bodywork, which resource us in our self-development, nurturing and informing our self-care and self-awareness. A key aspect of this strand is the development of self-reflective practice, as we encourage reflecting on our own life experiences and the emotions tied to them.
SPIRITUAL & PASTORAL SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY
Born from a desire to bring people together after conflict, we work on ways to build peace within ourselves and our communities. We aim to contribute to a healthier society and a better planet by learning how to resolve conflict in a kind and inclusive manner.