The JSC community welcomes people of all spiritual traditions and those who are new to exploring spirituality.
There’s an expectation of welcome and acceptance for all as we engage in discerning how we may each be called to express our faith in how we live and work. While we are rooted in the contemplative and social justice practices of the Christian tradition, a variety of spiritual practices are introduced, and corps members are welcome to contribute from their own traditions.
You are encouraged to adopt a daily personal practice and to adapt it over the course of the year. Popular practices have included book studies, music, and a wide variety of prayer. Within the household, a regular weekly practice is adopted (and modified!) during the year. And corps members are encouraged to participate in a local spiritual community while they are here.
The Durham-Chapel Hill area offers a wide mix of churches, other houses of worship and spiritual practice centers. Prior corps members have become involved with yoga studios, Buddhist temples, a local farm church, and a synagogue, along with more mainline Christian congregations.
You will also have a mentor from the community who may serve as a spiritual advisor if that’s what you agree to, and personal spiritual directors are available on request. There are opportunities for spiritual reflection, prayer and worship for the entire cohort throughout the year, including several retreats. We’ve found that everyone’s spirituality deepens through learning how others express their faith and through respecting their faith expression. Rooted in the contemplative and social justice practices of the Christian tradition, we welcome people of all spiritual expressions who seek to discern their call and live out that call authentically.
Fridays are when the entire cohort comes together for faith formation, leadership training classes, field trips, guest speakers and reflection time.