Rooted Wisdom
Rediscover a deeper connection
Everything You Need to Know
What You’ll Experience
Each weekly gathering begins with a spiritual practice, moves through an experiential learning session, incorporates small and large group discussion throughout, and sets aside moments for personal reflection. We close intentionally and with guidance for the coming week. Between sessions you’ll spend one to two hours exploring new material through reading, writing, listening, and continued spiritual practice.
Midway through the first semester you’ll be invited to practice embodying your learning experience through intentionally serving a community connection already in your life or a community placement with the help of kinward. You’ll incorporate this service component of Rooted Wisdom at a level of engagement that suits your personal schedule and capacity.
Themes We'll Explore
- Presence and contemplative practices
- Authenticity and identity
- Bringing compassion to suffering - our own and the suffering in the world
- Spiritual discernment and embodiment
- Stories that shape our lives
- Community and belonging
- Jesus’ teachings as invitation to fullness of life
- Wisdom from contemplative teachers, poets, scientists, and scholars
- Integrating spiritual practice into daily life
- Discovering where our deepest gladness meets the world’s deep needs
Community Matters
Rooted Wisdom is intentionally limited to a small cohort because transformation happens in relationship.
Throughout the program you will be invited to bear witness and be witnessed—to celebrate joys, navigate challenges, ask honest questions, and discover the wisdom that emerges within community.
Many participants say the relationships formed during Rooted Wisdom become one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
Teachers and Voices
Rooted Wisdom draws from a rich tapestry of teachers, poets, scientists, theologians, and cultural voices, not as experts to imitate, but as companions who help us awaken to God’s presence in our own lives. Contributors include Cynthia Bourgeault, Howard Thurman, Barbara Holmes, Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, Parker Palmer, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Brené Brown, Maya Angelou, Mary Oliver, John O’Donohue, Ilia Delio, Resmaa Menakem, James Baldwin and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much work is required?
- Expect approximately three hours each week, including the two-hour gathering plus about one hour of reading, reflection, or writing.
- Do I have to be Christian?
- No. We welcome people from many faith traditions—including no faith tradition—who are open to contemplative exploration and respectful community.
- What if I can’t afford the tuition?
- Scholarships and payment plans are available. We are committed to cost never being a barrier to accessing our teachings.
- Is this a Bible study?
- No. Rooted Wisdom is a spiritual formation experience that integrates scripture with contemplative practice, interdisciplinary voices, personal reflection, and community dialogue.
- What if I’m questioning my faith?
- Many participants arrive with questions. Rooted Wisdom is designed to be a safe place to explore them with honesty, curiosity, and compassion.
- How many people participate?
- To foster trust, authenticity, and deep mutual support, the in-person cohort is intentionally limited to 16 participants.
IN PERSON COHORT
FACILITATED BY JOHN DE BEER & ELIZABETH MCCAIN IRWIN
Rooted Wisdom | Fall 2026
Now Enrolling!
Mondays, 6:00 — 8:00pm
September 14 — November 30, 2026
January 25 — April 26, 2027
$850
Cost will never be a barrier to accessing our teachings. If you would like a scholarship, email hello@kinwardcenter.org.
VIRTUAL COHORT
FACILITATED BY JENNIFER HORD REDA
Rooted Wisdom | Spring 2026
Current Session Sold Out, check back in Spring 2027
Tuesdays, 9:30 — 11:30am EST
January 27 — April 28, 2026
September 8 — December 1, 2026
$850
Cost will never be a barrier to accessing our teachings. If you would like a scholarship, email hello@kinwardcenter.org.
