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This course is both a sanctuary and a laboratory: an intentional space for cultivating resilience, wisdom, and prophetic action in times of profound change
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Drawing upon ancient wisdom and contemporary insights, participants embark on a holistic journey that blends personal transformation with community impact.
This immersive, experimental course is the inaugural offering of the Center for Creative Resilience. Designed as a living laboratory for an evolving Christianity, it weaves contemplation, spirituality, justice, and creative action into a transformative journey. Participants will engage deeply with Christian mysticism, wisdom traditions, and the challenge of translating contemplation into meaningful change in the world.
Through contemplative practice, rigorous study, and real-world application, students will engage the living tradition of Christian mysticism and activism. The course draws inspiration from the Biblical Wisdom and prophetic traditions, modern mystics, social justice leaders, and positive psychology—inviting participants to develop not only a deep inner life but also a creative, resilient response to the world’s needs.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
Critically engage theological texts and frameworks, developing skills in analysis, synthesis, and application to modern questions of faith and justice.
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Develop and articulate a personalized Rule of Life & Sacred syllabus that integrates prayer, study, work, rest, and social advocacy.
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Ground themselves in daily contemplative and prayer practices informed by traditional and contemporary spiritual wisdom.
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​​​Design, implement, and reflect on a personal or community-based project that embodies the integration of contemplation and action.
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Explore diverse perspectives from mystics, prophets, and contemporary change-makers & theologians.
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​​​Participate actively in a supportive, accountable learning community through small groups, peer feedback, and collaborative discernment.
​​​Practice vulnerability, values-based leadership, and creative resilience in the face of personal and collective challenges.
Course Components
Weekly Cohort Gatherings
Each week’s session includes guided contemplative practice, interactive teaching, peer discussion, and time for personal and group reflection. The course is designed to be experiential, with opportunities to practice spiritual disciplines and explore their impact on daily life.
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Small Group Engagement
Participants are assigned to small groups that meet monthly outside of the main cohort. These groups provide a confidential, supportive space for mutual encouragement, accountability, and discernment—essential for developing authentic community and resilience.
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Personal Project
Every student designs and carries out a project that connects their spiritual growth with tangible service, advocacy, or creative expression. Projects are discerned in consultation with the instructor and peer group and may address issues such as community organizing, creative arts for healing, advocacy for justice, or spiritual leadership development.
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Rule of Life & Sacred Syllabus Formation
Throughout the semester, participants will craft a unique Rule of Life—a framework for sustaining spiritual practices, ethical commitments, and actionable goals beyond the course duration. This rule is shared and refined in the cohort, fostering long-term resilience. They will also learn tools for continued learning beyond this class
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Individual Guidance
Sessions with the instructor offer personalized feedback, spiritual direction, and support for vocational discernment.
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Major Themes and Topics
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Foundations of Christian contemplation, mysticism, and the practice of justice
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Theological method: orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and orthopathy
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Prayer and meditation practices: centering prayer, lectio divina, guided imagery, breathwork, and more
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Mystical traditions and contemporary spiritual leadership
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Positive psychology, resilience, and flourishing for individuals and communities
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Community organizing, prophetic witness, and transformative action
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Creating and living a Rule of Life & Sacred Syllabus
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Navigating vulnerability, loss, hope, and joy in spiritual leadership
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Intersections of faith, justice, creativity, and resilience
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Assignments & Engagement Expectations
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Consistent participation in weekly online sessions and monthly small groups
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Maintenance of a daily or regular personal spiritual practice (as defined by the participant)
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Engagement with readings and thoughtful engagement with course materials (note: the "homework" reading is optional and will be supplemented with podcasts, videos, and more.
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Written and creative reflections (journaling, art, poetry, etc.) on spiritual and social themes
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Development of a personal project for the wider community
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Creation and sharing of a Rule of Life & Sacred Syllabus
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Active participation in culminating events
Growth Philosophy
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While this is a seminary level class, there are no formal grades. Growth is measured through active engagement, reflective practice, and integration of learning into life and action. The course is designed to foster intrinsic motivation, spiritual resilience, and authentic transformation.
Who Should Attend?
​This course is ideal for faith leaders, activists, artists, seekers, and anyone yearning for a spirituality that is both rooted and responsive to the world’s needs. Whether you are new to contemplative practice or seeking to deepen your vocational calling, you’ll find a supportive and challenging community here. It is also great for small groups who want to engage in this material to form change in their joined community.
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Course Instructor
The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining
Hillary currently serves as the Rector of St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. She’s an accomplished scholar and teacher, and is passionate about helping people deepen their connection to God through traditional and innovative means. She is the founder of The Hive, an online community focused on spirituality and wellness and holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. Her academic work explores topics including leadership, reconciliation, preaching, trauma, and Indigenous theology—including meaningful research with her own tribe, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Native Americans, on ritual and intersectionality. As a pastor, Hillary is known for her warmth, deep listening, and creative spirit. She is also a spiritual director, yoga and meditation instructor, forest therapist, and beekeeper, and brings a holistic approach to ministry grounded in love, joy, and justice.
To learn more about Hillary, visit her personal website here.
Watch Hillary's Invitation Video:
First Seminary Cohort
Fall 2026 - Spring 2027
Wednesdays 7:00 PM (ET)
Starting November 4th, 2026
Format:
Weekly online cohort + monthly small groups
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Replays of lectures will be available after each session.
The good news?
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This 2-semester course is included in The Hive's Membership plan!
So if you're already a Member, you can register on the course page.
Not yet a Member?
Get started by clicking "Join Membership" below.
Small Group Discount!
​Gather your group and enjoy 20% off each Membership for the duration of the course when you have a minimum of 5 members.*
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To receive your group discount coupon, and before signing up, reach out to info@thehiveapiary.com.
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*Discount applies to Memberships at the current rate of $24.99/month. Memberships with grandfathered rates are already receiving a reduced Membership price and are not eligible for the additional discount.