Cohorts & Programs

Questions? Contact Admissions.


enroll@york.edu
402-363-5627

Women’s Spiritual Practices Cohort

What: An introduction to a variety of spiritual disciplines and time to encourage each other as we share how we are experiencing God in our lives through the practices.

Who: Women in ministry and active church members from small and rural churches.

When: Six 90-minute online sessions:

  • February 10 and 24, 2026
  • March 10 and 24, 2026
  • April 7 and 21, 2026


Cohort Requirements:

  • Submit an application by January 22, 2026.
  • Be present for each online group session.
  • A willingness to practice assigned spiritual disciplines between sessions.
  • Craft a spiritual autobiography.
  • Complete one spiritual direction session.


Session Topics:

  • What are Spiritual Disciplines and Spiritual Direction?
  • Attending to God with Us
  • Reflective Prayer
  • Art as Prayer
  • Prayerful Reading of the Scriptures
  • Spiritual Autobiography and Reflection

Apply

jeri ford

Facilitator: Jeri Ford

Jeri holds a B.Ed. from York University and M.Ed. from Freed-Hardeman. She began her career as an elementary teacher before homeschooling her three children. For the past 25 years, she and her husband, Craig, have served in ministry in several states and in Papua New Guinea. They currently live in Billings, Montana. Jeri enjoys long walks with Craig, pickleball, and singing. She trained in spiritual direction through Lipscomb’s Institute for Christian Spirituality and is excited to explore spiritual practices.

 

This program is sponsored by the Smith and Mary Kite Center for Ministry at York
University, a partner of the Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative facilitated by
Pepperdine University. The co-directors are Dr. Anessa Westbrook and Dr. Scott Laird.