Exploring ~ Group Spiritual Direction
 
Enrollment is coming soon
for the 2025 cohort.

We are currently restructuring for a hybrid cohort with the ultra-amazing Bec Cranford at the helm. We'll be in your inbox the minute we finalize details, when you complete the form below...


Bec Cranford is the author of "Bapticostal Misfit: Tales of Effing Grace", floating in the Mystic, Interfaith, Ecumenical, and Spiritual Waters. She’s a long time abolitionist, advocate for Atlanta’s #unhoused, and believes in harm reduction. She’s taught contextual education (practical ministry) for 10 years at Candler School of Theology. She has served in various amazing organizations, including Wild Goose Festival, Center for Progressive Renewal, The Ministry Collaborative, Policing Alternatives and Diversion, and many more. Bec holds a BS in Practical Theology, and a Masters of Divinity, but she likes to believe her Masters of Divination came from Hogwarts. Bec resides in West Georgia and likes walking in the woods and making messes with acrylic. 
We believe the growth of faith and spiritual attention will take place not only in organized religion, but also in individual relationships and building small communities of commitment and understanding. Our "Exploring" program is group spiritual discovery - a place to deepen your own spiritual beliefs and practices, and learn about the way others see their own spirituality. The time together includes gathering ritual (everyone gets a chance to lead), sharing our own personal spiritual narratives, conversation around assigned reading and other learning materials (podcasts, video etc) and additional instruction and facilitation of practices during sessions.

Our mission at Zeitgeist is to lead the way with fresh curriculum and an integrated interfaith/interspiritual approach, encouraging participants to grow their own worldviews, and their own spiritual connection.

Details ...

  • The program will be hybrid - both in person for folks near Atlanta (or willing to drive - we've had folks from neighboring states!) and online. 
  • The school year ends with an in-person Intensive meeting in Atlanta late Spring (dates soon!)
  • Sessions will be once a month for three hours. (Schedule and topics announced soon - most likely Thursday evenings)
  • All lessons and materials, and Zoom integration will be via the ZG Student Portal, where you will be able to continue conversations with your cohort throughout the year.
  • All students in “Exploring” are asked to have a relationship with their own Spiritual Director.  We can help connect you with great folks, wherever you are.
  • Enrollment will be capped at 12 students, with frequent small group breakouts to keep the learning environment and access to your teachers intimate.
  • Students will be asked to read/view assigned material in between sessions. "Materials" will include books, articles, podcasts, youtube videos and more!
  • Each student will complete a Spiritual Narrative project, sharing their own journey of coming to know themselves in the context of their faith construct.​
  • All "Exploring" students have Partner Membership in ZG for the year they are enrolled.
  • "Exploring" is a comfortable introduction to the direction experience, and a pre-requisite for entering the Spiritual Direction Training Program. 
  • Pricing and policies are here.
  • Prospective students are asked to have an informational conversation with ZG's Executive Director, Debonee Morgan, or teacher Bec Cranford. This makes sure we're a great fit and that your questions get answered so you feel ready. Click the link below to make sure we'll be meeting your expectations, and request an interview.
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Click here for specific information about pricing
​and policies
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Prospective students are asked to have a brief conversation with ZG's Executive Director, Debonee Morgan or teacher Bec CRanford before enrollment. This ensures a good fit, and creates opportunity to answer any questions about the Exploring program.

Click the button below to request some time to talk about the 2025 cohort.

Dates and Topics for the 2025 Cohort
and examples of study material​
2025 
October
  • Introduction to program, teachers & one another 
  • Review curriculum for the year, policies & policies, expectation
  • Create agreements & sacred space
  • Define individual goals & commitments
  • Relationship building
  • Contemplative time for self reflection & social breaks
November
"Something Greater" and Language Around Spirituality
  • Why does language matter?
  • Defining the “God of our understanding"
  • The Names of Godde
  • Traditional faith descriptions
  • Non-traditional descriptions
  • Spiritual wounding by language
December
Dark Night of the Soul
  • Defining & understanding the “Dark Night of the Soul”
  • The importance of not-knowing
  • What are our own stories of spiritual emptiness or distance?
  • What does recovery and deepening look like?
January
Spiritual Practices
Doing that becomes Being
  • Prayer (Cataphatic, Apophatic – Centering)
  • Meditation
  • Lectio / Midrash /Audio Divina
  • Embodiment (Yoga, breath work, walking meditation)
2026
February
Creativity & Expression as Divine Presence
Creativity as Spirit
  • Visual art
  • Poetry
  • Music 
  • Film 
  • Making
March
Identities, Intersectionality & Value
Who does Godde say you are?​​ Do cultural constructs agree?
  • Identities in context:
  • Racial  & ethnic / White Body Supremacy
  • LGBTQ+
  • Women
  • Socio-economic status
  • Intersectionality
April
Social Justice & Faith in the World
How does my faith show up in the world?
  • Social Justice & Activism
  • The myth of  “Other”
  • Practical values
  • Day to day life
May - In person Retreat 

  • WISDOM:
  • Who and what deepens your connection?
  • The Perennial Tradition

  • FILM & DISCUSSION
  • Where do we find spirituality in pop culture?
  • Students will watch a flick together & share thoughts
​​
  • Relationship nurturing
  • Personal & Program reflection
  • Preparation for Spiritual Director Certification for those who choose to seek training as a Director.
  • Closing ritual
Location
In-Person Meetings are in our ZG Headquarters in The High House, Downtown Decatur, GA.
309 Sycamore Street, Decatur GA 30030
Prospective students are asked to have a brief conversation with ZG's Executive Director, Debonee Morgan, or teacher Bec Cranford before enrollment. This ensures a good fit, and creates opportunity to answer any questions about the Exploring program.

Click the button below to request some time to talk and get registered.
 Exec Director Debonee and prior teacher Dr Kim talk
about the cohort for Sept 23. This year will be a little different, but with the same vibe. :)
Our podcast episode (Summer 2020) interviewing Debonee and students about their experience in Exploring.