the 8th Day Institute

training in spiritual formation, compassion and leadership

The 8th Day Community is dedicated to living compassion in the city. This means we are purposeful in attending to the brokenness of society and reaching people with a witness of community found in Jesus that is unique and valued. One of the primary ways we "live" this out is training leaders for the current and future generations of Christian witness. We are convinced that leaders today and leaders of tomorrow have to be people of integrity and service, willing to "soil" their gloves in the brokenness of humankind, while at the same time deeply involved in helping champion and nurture the gifts and creative potential of all people. The 8th Day Institute is dedicated to training men and women from all walks of life and across denominational and organizational spectrums in a concentrated two-year program. This training is accessible to the working adult as well as providing students with credit through practicum and internship possibilities. The Institute trains people in examining the "interior life" for service in the "external landscapes" of social justice, care, business, church ministries and human services.

"Beyond the intellectual pursuits, which are great, the 8th Day Institute is unique in providing a place for Jesus to speak to your heart, challenging spiritual growth in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment." John "Hans" Wendt, small business owner and 8th Day Institute student

 Designed to be a two-year learning community   (with a one year option), the Institute concentrates on introducing the participant to the life of examination, witness, leadership and participation in an application of their choice. The "street-level" application can be in business, social-service outreach, church ministries or other approved areas of interest. Along with books to read and review, hospitality times with the individual cohort, on-line components, and mentoring relationships with the Institute's teachers and volunteers, the participant is challenged to create a project that will utilize current and emerging gifts that are directly applicable and integrated into their lives and into the area of their calling. The projects can be formed around work, school, home, and/or a community of faith in a variety of ways. In a sense the Institute training helps build a frame for a painting (project) on a bigger canvas of the student's life, passion and calling.

"8th Day was an experience like I've never had. Yes, my schedule is very busy, but I'm so glad I had the opportunity. Being able to look at my walk with the Lord, my brothers, and to take a close look at me, I think was one of the best things for me. Some of the books I'll go back to throughout my life."  Jonita Johnson - Community Pastor of Roosevelt Community Church

We meet together in cohorts the first Saturday of every month from 9am-2pm. This Saturday is given to lecture times presenting topics such as Spiritual and Practical Theology, Leadership Development, Incarnational Community, and Pastoral Care. Also included in the once per month Saturday meeting is a time of reflection and integration "weaving" the lectures, devotional journals and reflections, the books we read and review on-line together, and the day-to-day application of what we are learning in the world we live and serve in.

In sum, we are learning the disciplines of humility on our journey, encountering Jesus in surprising ways, forming our hearts as we are receptive to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in unexpected places and times, and embracing the all encompassing love of God - changing our hearts and our world. 

"The 8th Day Community is a great place for one to learn about spiritual formation. It is also an excellent place to become more involved in a network of Christ followers who are on the same walk as you." Chris Bickert, MSW student and 8th Day Institute student intern

For more information concerning the 8th Day Institute, please contact Dr. Dale Pollard at dale@8thdaycommunity.org, or by cell at 360-201-3957.