Continuing Her Spiritual Journey: Debra Weir

Continuing Her Spiritual Journey

Debra Weir, Associate Director for Spirituality of the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL), announced her retirement at the end of the 2020-2023 academic year .

BY CHASSIDY GOGGINS, MEDIA AND MARKETING COORDINATOR FOR THE CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

Debra joined the staff of the CLL in 2014 and has provided excellent direction to the spirituality programs of the CLL at Columbia Seminary, including celebrating the spirituality program’s 20th and 25th anniversaries. Debra initiated the Certificate of Spiritual Direction program, refined the Certificate in Spiritual Formation curriculum, and widened the reach of both programs through online courses.

How has the spirituality program changed under your direction?

The Spirituality Program has certainly changed during my tenure; perhaps this can be named ‘growth.’ I have certainly grown being here! Two areas of growth come to mind programmatically. The first and most significant change to the program was the addition of the Certificate in Spiritual Direction (CSD) in 2015.

The second area of growth is the embrace of online learning. Online courses have allowed people across the country and in some cases across the globe to

participate in spirituality programs and courses.

In your own words, describe the Spirituality program at CTS?

The Spirituality Program is a wellknown and long-standing program in the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary and offers two certificates in Christian spirituality.

The Certificate in Spiritual Formation offers courses that nurture spiritual enrichment and growth in people desiring spiritual depth. This program’s classes and retreats are open to anyone interested (and often include) those completing the certificate alongside persons interested in a particular topic. We create a lovely and welcoming community when we gather.

The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a cohort-based experience for those called or discerning a call to the ministry of spiritual companionship and guidance. This course of study’s practical training and formation includes gentle but rigorous supervision as part of the learning process. The application for the 2022 cohort is now open.

What has been your greatest joy as director?

That’s hard! There have been so many joys, among them the many people I’ve come to know and love through the program! In addition to this, developing the spiritual direction program and witnessing the development of gifted spiritual directors formed through the program gives me pleasure and joy.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the people – the CLL staff who are amazing, highly skilled and supportive, the CTS community, and the leaders and participants in all the programs. You all have enriched my life beyond measure!

How do you plan to continue with spiritual practices in retirement? Will this look different from what you do now?

Though I’m retiring from CTS, I’m not retiring from life or the discernment practices that led me here. The practices of prayer and reflection are a way of life now as I wait, watch, and walk into this next season. I hope to have time for additional practices that I have limited time for now, like gardening, making art with mandalas and textiles, long hikes, walks, and spending time with family and friends. I’m curious and excited about what will come!

What do you hope your legacy is as a spiritual director?

I have always approached this role from the stance of spiritual direction, being a spiritual director for the spirituality program. I hope that the program will retain a bit of my imprint on it, at least for a time.

On a more personal note, if my presence has encouraged some folks to seek and know God more intimately, or if my companionship has assisted them in discerning new directions or next steps in life that would be enough.

If you were asked to bestow a blessing or pray for the success of your successor, what would you say?

May you be cloaked with a mantle of grace, seeking wisdom from the Source of all wisdom. May you guide these programs with clarity and gentleness, seeking the best for all. May you receive joy and satisfaction from each workday. When challenges mount, may the gifts of this community encourage your soul. And may you, this program and all who participate in it flourish during your tenure.

The next Associate Director of Spirituality Programs will join the CLL team some time this summer. To learn more about spirituality program offerings, visit Spirituality Program | The Center for Lifelong Learning | Atlanta, GA (ctsnet.edu)