Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) and the best selling author of the critically acclaimed books Try Softer™️ and Strong like Water. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. Aundi’s work has been featured widely, including on Good Morning America, The Center for Action and Contemplation, and Christianity Today. Aundi regularly speaks at national events, and is a frequent guest on podcasts such as The Lazy Genius, Typology, and The Next Right Thing. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.

Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor, spiritual director, speaker, and author of two books including Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle and Somebody’s Daughter: An Experiential Guide. Having experienced the restoring touch of God in a deeply broken life and marriage, Michael’s passion is to connect life’s broken realities with the reality of the gospel.
In addition to leading Restoring the Soul and equipping Christian organizations around the world, Michael formerly served as an adjunct professor at Denver Seminary and full-time professor at Colorado Christian University. He holds an MA in Biblical Counseling from Colorado Christian University and an MA from the College of Education at the University of Denver. Michael lives with his wife Julianne in the foothills of Colorado where he enjoys the Rocky Mountains and a host of other outdoor activities with friends and family.

This workshop will combine lecture and an experiential exercise (lasting ~ 20 minutes) during which participants will reflect on their personal understanding of the holiness of God, including how their understanding may have been influenced more by church culture and personal experience than biblical narrative. Several key passages of scripture will be explored and several “myths of holiness” will be discussed as to how they are common obstacles on the spiritual formation journey. Attendees will be left with a compelling understanding of God’s holiness which can result in a spiritual life defined by joy, rest, and an “easy yoke.”

Alison and her husband lead Sozo Futures Foundation, which partners with nonprofit organizations to provide mental and emotional health resources to underserved communities. They are the parents of two young adult children and split their time between Boston and Wyoming.

Together, we’ll trace the journey from brokenness to wholeness—a path made possible by grace, vulnerability, and surrender. Grounded in the wisdom of the 12 Steps, the contemplative tradition, and a compassionate understanding of mental health, this workshop invites us to meet our pain with mercy and discover the God who meets us not beyond the ruins but in the midst of them.

In this session, we will explore how interpersonal neurobiology and the study of the brain informs paths to integrating and attaching to ourselves, God and others, ultimately experiencing greater levels of love, joy and peace. By exploring work from several well-known authors , we will discuss a variety of spiritual practices to consider as we journey toward wholeness.

Dr. Hall teaches in the areas of attachment theory, spiritual formation, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and the integration of psychology and theology. He is an award-winning author and researcher, focusing on relational approaches to spiritual formation, virtue, and leadership.

Dr. Hall has written/contributed to seven books. His latest books, Relational Spirituality and The Connected Life, articulate a comprehensive relational spirituality paradigm for transformation. He is the founder of the Relational Spirituality Academy (relationalspirituality.co) where he offers training to Christian leaders in the RS model of spiritual formation and coaching.
Dr. Hall is a licensed psychologist and holds an MA and PhD in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology and an MA and doctoral specialization in measurement and psychometrics from UCLA.

He and his wife, Dr. Liz Hall, also a professor at Rosemead, have two adult sons. They enjoy hiking and traveling.

Suffering often disrupts our fundamental ways of understanding God, ourselves, and our world, leading us to wrestle with hard questions and search for new meaning. Drawing on both psychological research and Christian theology, this workshop explores how specific spiritual practices can help us weave our suffering into our Christian story. After introducing the concept of meaning-making as an important form of coping, we’ll explore and practice three transformative Christian disciplines that have helped believers navigate suffering for centuries: lament (bringing our raw emotions to God), identification with Christ (connecting our suffering with His), and forgiveness (releasing pain to find freedom). Through both teaching and guided exercises, participants will gain practical tools for finding purpose and hope in their own journeys of suffering, while drawing closer to the God who meets us in our pain.

In a culture that often avoids or minimizes suffering, Christians have lost touch with one of their richest spiritual resources – the practice of lament. Drawing from the psalms and grounded in both theological and psychological research, this workshop explores how lament uniquely facilitates meaning-making in suffering. Rather than mere complaining, biblical lament follows a transformative path from raw honesty to profound praise. Through teaching and guided practice, participants will learn the five elements of lament – calling, complaining, requesting, remembering, and praising – and discover how each component contributes to spiritual and psychological healing. This ancient practice offers a way to bring our full experience before God while deepening our trust in His faithfulness.

Dallas Willard called Solitude and Silence the Queen of the Disciplines. These practices provide you with extended time with God in a humble and listening posture. We have found this practice to be central as we seek to cooperate with God’s invitations in our lives. You can learn to listen with the ears of your heart, to make space to reflect on that which is important, to let the dust settle in your mind, and to experience the loving presence of the God who made you. We will mentor/guide you into solitude and coach/debrief you afterward. We’ll learn and grow together in community. Why not start your TAG conference with a mini-retreat?

In a demanding culture that constantly pulls us in every direction, finding peace and presence can feel challenging. In this workshop, you’ll be guided in transformative spiritual practices designed to help you release stress and feel more centered in Christ. Through gentle coaching, quiet reflection, and thoughtful journaling, you’ll learn how to quiet the noise, calm your mind & body, and become fully present. Experience the rest and renewal your soul is longing for.

We agree – prayer is important, but do we pray? Do we pray as a way of life and ministry? Do we pray without ceasing as Paul instructed the Thessalonians to do? Is that even possible? We will discuss ways to incorporate prayer into your way of life, your way of relationships, your way of ministry. A follower of Jesus who passionately prays can create a culture where others also discover prayer as a way of life and a way of being Christian. During this session, Alan will share dozens of prayer practices from 2,000 years of Church history.

Dr. Keas Keasler is associate professor of spiritual theology and the director of the Master’s program in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Friends University. He also serves as a Research Affiliate of the Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He earned a B.A. from Baylor University, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He has done extensive work in the areas of spiritual formation and missiology, presenting at conferences across the U.S., and is the author of a forthcoming book exploring Dallas Willard’s formational theology and missional vision, to be published by IVP Academic. Ordained as a Baptist minister, Dr. Keasler has a deep love for the global church, having traveled and done mission work in over forty countries and preached on six continents. He and his wife, Sarah, and their three children live in Wichita, Kansas.

Dallas Willard is a theologian of the Christian life, putting him in good company with ancient theologians but in a minority among contemporaries. Modern theology has increasingly become an intellectual exercise confined to academic institutions, detached from the practical realities of life. But for Willard, all theology should be clinical theology, aimed at helping people flourish by knowing and growing in Christ. In this, he has much in common with the patristics and other “doctors” of the church who viewed theology as therapeutic and as medicine for the soul. We will explore Willard’s approach to spiritual formation in Christlikeness, highlighting the areas he identified as most crucial for human transformation in the Spirit, and reflect on the relevance of his theology today – especially given the crisis of character currently experienced in the church and society.

Many Christians struggle to understand how grace and effort fit together in spiritual growth. Some fear that emphasizing action in the Christian life leads to legalism, while others worry that focusing too much on grace leads to passivity. Dallas Willard cuts through this tension, showing how spiritual formation is not about earning but about actively participating in God’s work in our lives. For years Protestant theology has been shaped by deep concerns about works-righteousness, often leading to an overly simplified view of salvation and a faith that stays mostly in the head. Willard challenges this, offering a vision of discipleship that integrates the heart, habits, and virtues into a daily apprenticeship to Jesus. We will explore how his paradigm of formation can help us, personally and as communities, grow in godliness and participate in God’s divine conspiracy.

Dallas Willard describes God’s aim in human history as the formation of an all-inclusive community of loving persons who will one day share in God’s governance of the cosmos. Our present life, then, is training for that responsibility, shaping us into people of agape love. Much of the spiritual formation literature within Protestantism over the past fifty years has lacked a missional framework for spirituality and sanctification. Considering Willard was a major figure in what has come to be known as the “spiritual formation movement,” it may come as a surprise to learn there is a missional thread that runs throughout his theology. He sees spiritual formation as part of God’s mission but also as necessary for God’s mission. We will explore how Willard’s formational theology is both a practical curriculum for Christlikeness and a crucial strategy for the church’s mission, and the importance of his integrated approach today.

Jesus asked over 300 questions in the New Testament. He was asked over 180 questions – and he yet only directly answered five of them. Why? (And what were those five questions?) We study Jesus’ teachings. We study his miracles. We study his parables. Why not explore his questions, too? In this workshop we’ll dive into the questions he asked, where he asked them, to whom he asked them, what happened because of him asking – and ultimately, what we can learn from his questions to apply to our own lives today.

Why did the all-knowing, all-powerful God of the Universe ask so many questions? Together we’ll explore this fascinating question – and unpack the spiritual and practical dimensions of question-asking as it relates to the recorded questions of God found in Scripture. We’ll unpack some of the most powerful and honest questions found in the Psalms – and cover how question-asking can cultivate a deeper connection with the Creator. And we’ll spend some time asking God some of the most important questions we have ourselves.

A statue of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of ten statues in Westminster Abbey recognizing the great martyrs of the 20th century. Bonhoeffer’s international stature and respect continue to grow fueled by new discoveries of letters and testimonies that have emerged decades after his murder at the hands of the Nazi’s in the final days of World War II. His classic works like The Cost of Discipleship, Life Together, Ethics, and Letters and Papers from Prison age like fine wine and have much to say about the current state of Christianity and the church in our country and around the world. Mike has spent time in Bonhoeffer’s home and in the national archives at Berlin University with Bonhoeffer source documents the last two summers and will share the relevancy and importance of Bonhoeffer’s work, theology and spirituality for us today at this unique time in history.

We agree – prayer is important, but do we pray? Do we pray as a way of life and ministry? Do we pray without ceasing as Paul instructed the Thessalonians to do? Is that even possible? We will discuss ways to incorporate prayer into your way of life, your way of relationships, your way of ministry. A follower of Jesus who passionately prays can create a culture where others also discover prayer as a way of life and a way of being Christian. During this session, Mike will share dozens of prayer practices from 2,000 years of Church history.

This interactive workshop explores the profound impact of Spirituality, Trauma, Attachment patterns, and Neuroscience (STAN) on ourselves and those we serve, both individually and collectively. We will delve into the interconnectedness of these elements, examining how attachment styles and trauma experiences affect the brain and spiritual development. Participants will learn practical strategies to minimize the risk of retraumatizing others in their work and discover how spiritual practices and exercises can be powerful tools for beginning the healing journey.

Matthew Johnson is a spiritual director and retreat leader, helping others listen for God’s guidance in their lives. In this role, he serves with both the School of Kingdom Living (Dallas Willard Ministries) and the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the author of “Worship” a book study in the Holy Living Series from Abingdon Press and has written small group and leader’s guides for The Good and Beautiful God, The Good and Beautiful Life, and The Good and Beautiful Community. He is a co-founder of the Neighboring Movement, and prior to that he served at the Andover United Methodist Church as the assistant minister for 15 years. And in 2015, he and his wife, Catherine hiked the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile spiritual pilgrimage across Spain.

Murphy lives in Joplin, Missouri with his wife Tasha and two children, Evelynn and Atticus. He serves as the Director of Coaching and Consulting Services with TRAIN International and is an adjunct professor of spiritual direction at Ozark Christian College. As a coach, spiritual director, consultant, and retreat leader, he has served in churches and non-profits of many different shapes and sizes to help them lean into the formation-first culture of the Kingdom. 

Vic Woodward is the co-founder of Marriage Mosaic, a division of InFocus Ministries, which he leads alongside his wife Monique. Through Marriage Mosaic and his partnership with Trueface, Vic has been involved in premarital counseling, marriage workshops, retreats and mentoring -walking along side couples in every season of their journey.

Trust is the foundation of every thriving relationship—whether in marriage, leadership, the workplace or community. Yet, many struggle to create environments where trust flourishes. This workshop is designed to equip individuals, colleagues, and leaders with practical tools to cultivate a culture of high trust—one built on grace, authenticity, and growth.
At the heart of trust-building is our view of God and our view of ourselves. How we understand God’s grace and our own identity directly impacts the way we relate to others, handle conflict, shame triggers and create safe, thriving environments. Through engaging discussions, real-life applications, and interactive exercises, we’ll explore:

• The core principles of a high-trust culture
• How our understanding of God and self influences trust-building
• The power of vulnerability and authenticity in relationships
• Practical ways to foster trust in leadership and teams

Join us as we learn to lead with grace, build deeper connections, and create spaces where people can truly grow.

A thriving marriage isn’t just about the relationship between two people—it has a ripple effect on every area of life, including leadership, ministry, and spiritual influence. When a marriage is rooted in love, trust, and grace, it becomes a powerful foundation for leading well and making a lasting impact.
This workshop explores how the health of your marriage directly shapes your ability to lead with wisdom, authenticity, and strength. Through practical insights, interactive exercises, real-life examples, and meaningful discussion, we’ll dive into:

• The connection between a healthy marriage and effective leadership
• How relational trust at home fuels confidence and clarity in leadership
• The role of vulnerability, grace, and communication in both marriage and ministry
• Practical ways to nurture your marriage while balancing leadership responsibilities

Whether you’re in ministry, business, or any leadership role, this workshop will help you cultivate a marriage that not only flourishes but also strengthens your ability to lead and serve others well.

Parker Smith is an amateur dad trying to integrate faith and fatherhood. He started Beginner’s Apprenticeship at the confluence of Anglicanism and a career transition, while leaning into his roles as father and husband. Parker’s day-to-day involves running Snapmarket.co and running after his two young boys with his wife Brady and baby daughter.

Lori Shoults is the curator/designer of The Ignatian Journey: A Contemporary Approach to the Spiritual Exercises. She leads groups through The Ignatian Journey and is one of the retreat hosts for the Pastors, Priests, and Guides Retreat. She served for several years on The Practice team at Willow Creek Community Church and for three years was the Program Coordinator for the Spiritual Formation Certificate Program through Moody Distance Learning. She is passionate about spiritual formation, spiritual direction, and inviting others into a deeper intimacy with Christ.

Sibyl Towner is the co-author of Listen to My Life, a resource dedicated to helping people review their life stories for the purpose of recognizing and responding to God. Her joy is believing in God for another; by listening to another or facilitating a group experience of listening to one another. She has served the pastoral staff at College Hill Presbyterian Church and Willow Creek Community. For the past 14 years, Sibyl and her husband Dick co-direct The Springs Retreat Center in Oldenburg, Indiana. She offers Spiritual Direction and trains Spiritual Directors through Sustainable Faith. Sibyl enjoys listening to people’s stories, reading, walking in all seasons, opening their home, and facilitating retreats.

Katelyn J. Dixon is a creative contemplative living in the Seattle area. Her writing emphasizes the wonder of beholding God in unexpected places—both the painful and ordinary elements of our daily lives. Since earning her Master’s degree in Counseling from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology in 2017, she has pursued writing as a spiritual practice and vocation while leading workshops and retreats that help others find healing. Katelyn co-hosts The Still Christian Podcast, re-orienting people who’ve been wounded by the church towards newness and hope. Most of all, Katelyn enjoys figuring out what it means to live as God’s beloved, exploring the enchanting PNW with her husband Drew, and finding new ways to pair cheese with bread. You can find and follow her work at katelynjdixon.com.

*Katelyn is at The Apprentice Gathering as an ambassador of Renovaré (a leader in the Christian spiritual formation movement and a sponsor of TAG). She has hosted numerous workshops for the Renovaré community, is trained as a Renovaré Listening Group Coordinator, and writes frequently for renovare.org.

https://www.katelynjdixon.com/ 

Still Christian Podcast

For Katelyn J. Dixon, writing has been a lifeline — a healing practice through which God has redeemed painful experiences and filled her cup with joy. Katelyn describes her spiritual journey as ​“climbing out of destruction” on ​“stepping stones made of words.”

What stepping stones might reveal themselves to us as we take time to listen for the heartbeat of Jesus and respond to the Living Word with our own words?

In this soulful and generative writing workshop, we will engage three spiritual postures:

Lament (crying out to God in the midst of our longing and pain)

Beholding (discovering the presence of God in unexpected places)

Naming (giving receiving the blessing of God for our stories)

Throughout this workshop, Katelyn will share a bit of her own story and lead three hands-on writing exercises that give you an opportunity to write your own creative piece and share it with a small group of fellow Christians.

Whatever wounds or longings you bring with you, whether writing comes naturally for you or is more of a ​“stretch,” you’re invited to join us as we set our intentions on meeting God in word-crafting and receiving the healing and grace God has for us.

“Come and see.”—Jesus (John 1:39)

Melody Leeper is the Community Life Program Manager for Renovaré where she oversees Listening Group training and support. Melody has a long history of ministry service, including Bible study and children’s ministry leadership and work for Mission Training International. She has also worked in Human Resources in the private sector. Melody received a bachelor degree in Business and Human Resources at U.C. Berkeley and will graduate in 2025 from the Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. She and her husband David live in Monument, Colorado and have three adult children.

Drew Dixon is a minister and spiritual director in the Pacific Northwest supporting people in the way of Jesus through teaching, spiritual formation, and pastoral care. He serves at the Federal Way Church of Christ and provides spiritual direction to individuals and small groups for healing, growth, and connection. He also partners with spiritual formation organizations like Renovaré, where he helps develop Listening Groups. In his free time, Drew enjoys slow mornings, simple walks, deep conversations, good books and film, and spending time with his wife, Katelyn. Learn more and connect with him at drewldixon.com

In a time of widespread noise, distraction, and isolation, our souls yearn to know and be known.

This workshop is for everyone who longs:

• to be lifted by friends into the presence of Jesus
• to be heard and prayed for
• to participate in the healing work of listening to others
• to process how God is inviting us deeper into life with him

The Renovaré Listening Group process integrates wisdom from the historical Church, Quaker spirituality, Alcoholics Anonymous, and mental health best practices. Transformation and healing unfold through unhurried silence and deep listening to God, one another, and our own hearts.

Come experience a space where we seek God and give one another the simple gift of listening presence to participate in God’s restorative work in human lives. Together we’ll experience the listening process first-hand and explore the core principles that make these groups powerful pathways for healing and wholeness in our lives and communities.