April 6-10, 2026
Course Description
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ghost Ranch during your first week after Easter, paying closer attention to the voice of God for renewal and reflection. Nestled under the Puerto de Cielo (Gateway to Heaven) and the iconic Cerro Pedernal—made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe—Casa del Sol provides a setting many experience as a "thin space," where the Divine feels near.
Throughout our time together, we will engage in:
- Daily Exploration - Enjoy dedicated times for hiking, art, and rest, allowing the breathtaking landscpaes that shaped the biblical narrative itself to speak to your soul.
- Guided Study & Discussion - Through lectures, open conversations, and meditative practice, we will learn to 'see' sacred texts with fresh eyes, exploring the ancient landscapes that shaped the language of the Bible and that invites each to consider the landscapes that shape your own life story.
- Time for Personal & Collective Reflection - Experience moments of stillness, contemplative prayer, and small-group dialogue to deepen your inner journey.
Each day will begin and end with morning and evening prayers, creating a rhythm of contemplation and renewal. The retreat invites you to listen deeply—to nature, to scripture, and to the voice of God stirring within.
What to Expect
This is an active journey! Participants should be able to walk on uneven surfaces for some distance and be prepared to be on your feet for extended periods of time—not every day, but some.
Dress: Dress casually and comfortably. Jeans and layers will work well, as the temperatures are expected to range from the upper 30's to mid-60's. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces. Hiking shoes, if you have them, may be helpful if you are planning to hike in the afternoons.
Transportation: Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ghost Ranch. Carpools can be arranged among participants on Moodle. You should plan on arriving April 6th and departing on April 10th. Transportation to the Monastery of Christ in the Desert during the retreat is included in the program fee.
Online Course Site: This retreat includes access to an online course site in Moodle, where you will find course materials, additional readings, and travel information. You will receive information on how to log onto Moodle one month before the beginning of our retreat. This will allow you plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the course site and upload any assignments. You will also be able to connect with other participants.
Schedule
Please plan to arrive before 4:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026, to allow time to rest and settle in following your journey. We will begin the retreat with the Ghost Ranch Welcome followed by dinner at 6:45 PM. The course will end on Friday, October 10, 2026 with breakfast at 7:30 AM.
Advance Preparation and Reading
Required reading: Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality by Belden C. Lane
Recommended Reading: Sacred Sense: Discovering the Wonder of God's Word and World (Eedmans, 205) by Bill Brown
Required Assignment: Those who wish to receive credit toward the Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Formation are asked to submit a one-page book reflection paper on the required reading by March 25, 2026, and complete the final integration paper one month after the retreat. All are invited to write the book reflection paper and post-course reflection paper to enhance your learning and encourage your spiritual journey.
Program Fee
The total program fee is $1350, which does not include housing. This fee includes a $675 deposit. You may pay the entire fee or only the deposit at the time of registration. Your full balance is due February 4, 2026.
Cancellations received before January 10, 2026 will be refunded minus a $350 registration fee.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made on or after January 10, 2026.
Accommodations and Meals
Housing arrangements will be made directly through Ghost Ranch.
Follow these steps to book your accommodations:
- Go to www.ghostranch.org.
- Select Accommodations at the top of the page.
- Enter the dates 4/6/2026 - 4/10/2026.
- Select add a code and choose weddings/groups.
- Enter the code 2604ALISON
- Click Search Availability and the rooms available within the retreat's block will appear.
Meals start with dinner on Monday, April 6, 2026, and run through breakfast on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Additional Information
Please note that the launch of this event is contingent upon reaching a mimimum number of participants. If the required number of participants is not met by January 10, 2026, we may need to cancel or postpone. If the event is cancelled, a full refund will be issued.
Registration will be open until January 10, 2026, or until maximum registration capacity is reached. Day-of registrations are not permitted.
Location
Retreat Leader
William P. Brown is an ordained minister of the Prebysterian Church (USA) and the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. Bill has also taught at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond and at Emory University. His teaching and writing explore the intersecting issues of justice, creation care, and hope from biblical and theological perspectives. Bill is the author of several books and numerous essays, including Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue and Disruption (Abingdon), A Handbook to Old Testament Exegesis (WJK), Sacred Sense (Eerdmans), Wisdom's Wonder (Eerdmans), The Seven Pillars of Creation (Oxford University), Seeing the Psalms (WJK), and most recently, Sacred Tension: Embracing Dissonance and Dialogue in the Old Testament (Upper Room).
Bill was recently a member fo the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton (
www.ctinquiry.org), where he worked collaboratively with scientists, philosophers, and ethicists exploring the "societal implications of astrobiology." He is currently working on a major commentary on the Psalms. Bill is an avid Sunday School teacher and was a founding member of Earth Covenant Ministry, an organization of Presbyterian churches in the Atlanta area dedicated to creation care that is now part of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL). Bill and his wife, Gail, are active at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, and have two grown daughters, Ella and Hannah.
