Spiritual Formation in Today’s World: A One-Year Online Offering from The Academy for Spiritual Formation

May 10, 2023 by The staff of The Upper Room

As we prepare for the 2024 Spiritual Formation in Today’s World: A One-Year Online Offering from The Academy for Spiritual Formation, we'd like to share a testimony from Academy participant, Paige Wimberly. She writes:


I serve as the pastor of two United Methodist Churches in southwestern Virginia. I’ve been in this appointment since June 2016. In July 2016, I attended my first Academy event. The move to Virginia was difficult for me, and the Five-Day Academy was just what I needed. It helped ground me for the challenges that lay ahead. 

When I heard about Spiritual Formation in Today’s World, I was intrigued. The Academy once again came at a time when I really needed it. While the Five-Day Academy in 2016 helped ground me, the online One-Year Academy in 2021 helped me to break ground. It helped me wake up to myself. It gave me a fresh start. It’s hard to pinpoint what was most meaningful to me because everything was as important: the learning sessions with amazing mentors, my covenant group, the sacred silence, the worship and leadership experiences, and the opportunity to sing in the virtual choir. I looked forward to each session of the 2021 Spiritual Formation in Today’s World, and I still consider it a sacred time in my life. It renewed my love for myself, strengthened my love for God, and inspired my love for others. 

To anyone considering the 2024 Spiritual Formation in Today’s World: Ask yourself if you are ready and willing to give your heart, mind, body, and soul to the experience. If you are, you will be changed in ways you may not even know you need. And it will continue to shape you into the future.

Rev. Paige Wimberly, Pastor
Newbern United Methodist Church
Mountain View United Methodist Church


We are excited to invite you to participate in the 2024 Spiritual Formation in Today’s World which begins on February 1, 2024. This one-year online experience consists of four three-day sessions offered on a quarterly basis. We have four new faculty members, wisdom guides who will help us explore the following topics: Meeting God in Our Longing, Meeting God in Our Healing, Meeting God in Our Reconciling, and Meeting God in Our Justice-Seeking. Participants from previous Academies and those who have never taken part in an Academy retreat are welcome. Apply before October 1, 2023 to receive an early bird rate that saves $200 off the total tuition. Learn more and apply here today.


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