Sacred Journey

A Program of Spiritual Formation offered by St. James’ Episcopal Church of Austin, Texas

Our Program

Sacred Journey is a four-year online program offered through St. James’ Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, to provide an avenue for spiritual formation.  We are a community grounded in study, practice, reflection, meditation and prayer—sharing our responses and questions within the privacy of a group of seekers.

Submit Interest Form
 
 

The Format

Our group meets weekly for nine months (September through May) on Zoom and uses a one-room school-house model. Participants study different topics across four sequential years, using sacred and scholarly texts as well as multi-media resources. In addition, all participants collectively study intentional conversation and spiritual practices. An optional fifth program year, focusing on wisdom sources, is also available for recent graduates of Sacred Journey.

  • Year One participants study the history and culture of the ancient world in which Judaism was created and flourished, examining The Old Testament writings and scholarly writings.

  • Year Two participants study the life and work of Jesus as well as the early origins of the Christian faith, not only the New Testament but also the work of Middle Eastern scholarship and modern scholars.

  • Year Three participants take a broad survey of the development of Christianity, both the lived experience of lay believers through the ages as well as the development of Christian theology and belief.

  • Year Four participants explore many other religions and spiritual practices.

  • Graduates of Sacred Journey have the option to join Year 5, which focuses on deepening our ability to read/reflect/learn for depth of knowledge and formation of wisdom (practical application of knowledge)

 
 
 

Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation is a transformational journey of change and development, aimed at developing the inner self and aligning one’s action with spiritual principles. Spiritual formation is an intensely personal experience because our formation evolves from our intrinsic nature, history, experiences and prior spiritual education. 

Additional Information

The cost of this program is $150 each year plus the purchase of the required books.  Scholarships are available for those in need.

Groups will meet for 2.5 hours each week.  Most participants spend 2-4 hours weekly in preparation for the group meeting.

The mentors of Sacred Journey are volunteers who have completed the four-year program.  They are responsible for the curriculum and the management of the group meetings.

Sacred Journey launched in 2025 as an outgrowth of the Education for Ministry program at St James’. Participants/graduates from Education for Ministry are welcome to join Sacred Journey.

Interested in joining Sacred Journey? Please complete this interest form by July 15, 2026.

  • "I have been given more insight to ways to think, process and reflect and been reading deeper and more diverse theologians than I did prior to Sacred Journey"

  • “It overflows into my personal and professional life and choices as well, in ways that are whole-making and restorative.”

  • “I went in hoping to deepen my knowledge, faith, and conviction. Maybe I could even discern what God wants me to do with my life going forward.”

  • “Sacred Journey is a reasoned exploration of biblical and religious thought.”

  • “I love learning in a diverse group of individuals who are willing to be inquisitive about scripture, theology and church history and feel safe doing so.”

  • “We are exploring deep ideas together.”

  • “I’m finding Sacred Journey to be meaningful and thought provoking.”

  • “Learning about Christianity and its rich 2000+ year history of spiritual practices and teachings has strengthened my own faith and provided me with new insights and perspectives.”

Mission Statement

Sacred Journey is part of the Adult Education offerings of St James’ Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas.  It is grounded in the principles of St James, a multicultural community rooted in Black heritage, a sanctuary created by radical inclusion and dedicated to thoughtful exploration of the spiritual foundations of our lives. 

Experienced mentors foster an environment that encourages serious study and discussion as participants explore practices that lead to spiritual formation through the examination of sacred and scholarly materials.

Submit Interest Form