Contemplative Ministers’ Initiative (CMI)
This two-year program helps ministers develop a contemplative life, empowering them to minister over the long term.
The CMI Experience | Participants and Staff
The goal of the CMI program is to help ministers be a calm, non-reactive, spiritually centered, prayerful presence in their churches. We believe all ministry begins with the minister’s deep relationship to God in Christ.
The CMI Experience
CMI is a four-retreat experience spanning two years. Ministers gather each fall and spring for retreats that are designed to form them as ministers through four stages: differentiation, contemplation, incarnation, and integration. Each three-day retreat focuses on one of these stages, incorporating personal spiritual guidance, presentations by expert resource persons, and blocks of quiet time.
Darryl Canty
“When Randy Harris invited me to take part in the Contemplative Ministers’ Initiative I had been asking the question, ‘How do I gain the stamina to make it in ministry long-term?’ I saw several ministers around me burning out. They seemed to not have the tools needed to complete the calling God has on their lives. Through CMI, Randy and his team provide the means to survive and thrive long-term in ministry. It’s my desire to finish well in regard to my pursuit of Christ on this earth. CMI has helped me develop the habits, disciplines, and routines to do just that.”
Hear from staff members and current and past participants on our CMI Podcast Series
Participants and Staff
Each year we launch a new cohort of 12 ministers. The primary demographic for this program is lead ministers (e.g., preaching ministers) in the first half of their careers.
Houston Heflin
Founded in 2015, CMI is led by Houston Heflin, who also teaches ministry and spiritual formation courses at Abilene Christian University. Learn more about this transition.
Randy Harris
Randy Harris, the initiative’s founding director, continues to remain deeply involved in spiritual direction and teaching during CMI retreats.
Renee Paul
Renee Paul coordinates retreats, logistics, and communication.
Eddie Sharp
Eddie Sharp serves as a conversation partner with each CMI participant’s elder or leaders. This interaction helps the leader in supporting the minister as they deepen their contemplative life.
Contact
If you have questions or wish to recommend someone for CMI, contact Renee Paul.