Sorry, friend.  The Discernment Journey is now closed. 

Join the waitlist to find out more about the next cohort. The course meets for five weeks. 

Each group session lasts 90 minutes and will include a brief presentation, small group reflection,  spiritual practice. live Q&A and coaching.

Please bring a journal and Bible. A weekly spiritual practice worksheet will be provided.

We will use Zoom.us, a video teleconferencing platform.  A private link will be provided upon registration.  

Please download and log into the Zoom platform before our first class. 

Absolutely.  Finances should never, ever be a barrier to spiritual deepening. Email me at brendabertrand@gmail.com and let me know your story.  I offer partial scholarships (the truth is people show up differently when they are invested). I also offer full scholarships for those in need.  If  you are able to invest in women's leadership and formation as a sponsor, please contact me. I will offer the scholarship in your name to a woman in need.  We live in an abundant universe.  There is enough to share. 

All course participants will receive the recording each week. You will have lifetime access to the recordings. 

The class builds each week so I highly encourage you to attend each class live, if you can.  You will be amazed by the power of connecting, learning, growing and discerning together in community.   

Currently, there is not required reading or a book for this course. Participants receive weekly worksheets and engage in spiritual practices designed to enhance your learning.  You will receive a recommended reading list at the end of the course.  

I created this course from scratch. It is informed by over 20 years of ministry experience, theological education and training focused in Christian spirituality and spiritual discernment.   I am an ordained minister, spiritual teacher, coach and chaplain who has journeyed with hundreds of people on their discernment journeys and spiritual formation.  

I will reference the Bible and other texts that have significantly informed Christian discernment literature and formed my own theology and practice. My work is particularly shaped by: Christian spirituality,  St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, Ignatian Spirituality, the live and work of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Howard Thurman, Dr. Timothy M. Gallagher, Dr. Elizabeth Liebert, Rosemary Daugherty and other women and men, scholars, experts and practitioners who have informed my theologies and practices in the art and science of discernment.  

Week One

I am Enough - Getting Unstuck from What Holds Us Back

This new session was added because of what continues to emerge in my conversations with hundreds of brilliant, high achieving, spiritual  women.   On the outside, you look successful, busy trying to do it all. And on most days, you get things done. But inside, there's a secret war waging. There's a mean girl who lives in your head. Mostly you live with a nagging thought of not being "_______" enough (you know what goes in the blank),  In this session we will detach from the untrue stories you have believed about your worth and unearth a greater faith story hidden in God's intention toward you. May you reclaim the joy of simple grace - free of judgment and inadequacy.   This is the best starting place as we enter a discernment journey.

Week Two

Preparing for Discernment - How to Cultivate a Discerning Heart in COVID-19.

We will discuss the impact and divine opportunity of COVID-19.  We will define discernment, examine the myths about decision-making and why it is so difficult to confidently make decisions. We will discuss the pitfalls of discernment and debunk myths that get in the way of spiritual freedom.  We will lean into the grace and invitation of living a discerning life with God in uncertain times. In the end, we will remind you of who you are and whose you are. 

You will:

• Be present to the impact of COVID on your personal and professional life.

• Define what you are discerning 

• Define discernment by exploring Biblical and real life experiences.

• Identify the loudest voices in your life and commit to nurture a discerning ear to God’s voice.

• Discover your underlying beliefs about God’s and your role in discernment; challenge whatever gets in the way of experiencing spiritual freedom.

• Practice new ways of listening to God’s voice and connect with your deepest desires.

Week Three

Paths of Discernment - How to Trace God's Movements in your Story before, during and beyond COVID-19.

Through Biblical and real life stories, we will deep dive into the many ways God speaks.   You will also explore your personal discernment journey and the lessons learned about God and yourself.  Trace God’s unique movements through your spiritual journey. 

You will:

• Look at your own journey with God with new, grace-filled eyes.

• Consider the unique ways God has guided your life.

• Discuss the difference between discernment and decision-making.

• Practice attentiveness and stillness in daily life.

Week Four 

Process of Discernment: How to Practically Listen to God in everyday Life.

This week, we roll up our sleeves and learn several discernment practices, ways to notice God’s movements in our lives and the world.  You will be encouraged to pay attention to God’s ever speaking voice; to hear and follow God’s direction in small and big ways.   

You will: 

• Distinguish between the gift of discernment and the grace of decision-making. 

• Share best practices.
  

• Discuss ongoing sticking points.

• Practice ancient and modern tools of discernment.

• Practice a the process on a real discernment issue in your life, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Week Five 

Practicing Decision-Making: How Discernment and Decision-making work Together.

During this last session, we will reflect upon our takeaways from the course, do live coaching and commit to God’s invitation to lead a discerning life. 

 You will:

• Apply discernment tools to current sense of call

• Commit to living a discerning and decisive life during COVID-19 and beyond

• Create your personal discernment practice

• Celebrate and affirm your ongoing discernment journey with God

I hear you. Sometimes we need focused attention. Having a skilled and prayerful presence in your life is priceless. I get it. I have spiritual coaches,  too.  Unfortunately, I am not currently offering one-on-one coaching.  

However, during this course only, you can add 3 (60 minutes) coaching calls to customize and enhance to  live course.  I offer a special rate for  live course attendees.

It’s ok if you aren’t able to invest in this one-on-one coaching option at this time. There is weekly Q&A built into the group sessions.   

Feel free to raise your questions  in our group calls.  If you have questions about coaching, please email brenda@brendabertrand.com

Yes.  If you are not able to join the course, I invite you to listen to this sermon series on discernment.

What is Discernment? - https://youtu.be/ds3qB5b7BJE

Practice and Problems with Discernment - https://youtu.be/UvHRAOAHoh8

Download my free worksheet and video, 6 Ways to Discern What's Next in your Career and Life

I also recommend books on the topic by Dr. Elizabeth Liebert, Dr. Howard Thurman, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Rosemary Dougherty and Ruth Haley Barton.  I like this handout by my dear friend, Becky Eldredge 

Lastly, I encourage you to ask God to teach you how to pray. Practice listening and talking to God.  Take note of the ways in which you have successfully discerned in the past. Trust that God is eager to guide you today.  I am praying for you. 

I invite you to purchase the course, join the first session and fully engage.  If you discern the course isn’t for you, please email me at brenda@brendabertrand.com for a full refund. All requests made by 12:00 pm (noon)PST  on the day after the first session will receive a full refund.  No questions asked. 

Requests made at or after 12:01pm PST are non-refundable. No exceptions. Thanks for understanding. 

After the April 2021 cohort, there may be one held in Fall 2021. Keep an eye out at brendabertrand.com/event