I entered the Dream Forum with no expectations other than a desire to hear God’s voice more clearly. I longed for clarity about my purpose as a storyteller, and I received more than I could have anticipated. God illuminated and refined my dream: to build a film ecosystem in Athens, Georgia, that produces and shares divinely inspired stories with the world. The listening prayer exercises became transformative moments for me.… Read More »Peaks and Valleys
Goldenwood hosted its first Summer Intensive for a group of pastors, ministry leaders, and other professionals, who are passionate about breathing new life into their vision of work. Over the course of the three-days, each session was designed to create a transformative experience, blending theological reflection, practical applications, and experiential learning, and guiding the participants on a journey of spiritual formation that awakened their own imagination for what work could… Read More »Goldenwood Intensive, Highlights from Greenville
Highlights from Goldenwood’s Fallow Retreat in Cambridge, UK | May 2024 *UPDATE FEB 2025: We have a few spaces left for this year’s retreat! For dates, details, and to register.. * As forty-two individuals from cities across the globe gathered in a cozy meeting room each morning on the beautiful grounds of Jesus College Cambridge, a palpable sense of anticipation and openness filled the air. This was no ordinary conference… Read More »Slowing Down, Cultivating Community, Enlivening Work
This spring, Goldenwood co-founders David Kim and Amilee Watkins sat down for a conversation with our friend, Nate Mancini, to discuss spiritual formation for artists. This was a rich conversation that included a surprise visit from another long-time friend and talented artist, Andrew Nemr! We are grateful to Nate for inviting us into this conversation. Listen here. Nate talks to Goldenwood founders David Kim and Amilee Watkins about Spiritual Formation… Read More »Goldenwood on Forefront 360
There are plenty of good accelerator programs and incubators out there. But as far as we know, we’re one of the only “decelerators” helping people slow down and discern God’s voice in a noisy world. You might say, “Huh? Why run a program that deliberately decelerates developing ventures instead of speeding them up?” Hear what our Dreamers have to say about the unique space the Dream Forum creates: “The Dream… Read More »Why a Decelerator?
We asked participants from across the country: “How has your experience with Goldenwood expanded your vision for your work or changed your approach to your calling?” What we heard was that listening changes everything. “Through contemplative community that repeatedly and steadily centers its gaze on me and my journey, Goldenwood has profoundly helped me to discern and steward my deepest and truest self, fostered the courage I’ve needed to bring forth that… Read More »Listening Changes Everything
What a full and inspiring year it has been at Goldenwood! Enjoy this visual review of the people and programs that animate our mission of cultivating a new vision for work. Did you know? Program fees cover only 20% of Goldenwood’s operating costs. This work is made possible by the unwavering commitment of generous individuals who want to see our innovative offerings extended to hundreds of others, transforming work for… Read More »Celebrating 2023: A Year-in-Review
Last month, we gathered from around the country to experience a sneak peek of the Goldenwood Institute. The day was filled with enlivening community and stimulating conversation, setting forth a bold and expansive vision for how the gospel can transform the future of work. The Goldenwood Institute envisions a world where work is not just a means of earning a living, but a creative and fulfilling expression of our humanity.… Read More »Institute Peek Recap: An Audacious Vision for Work Revived by Love
A deeply meaningful Listening Retreat with the Goldenwood team in May this year preceded my becoming part of the Dream Forum. At the retreat, I learned of the sublime power of listening to God with intentionality in a community. I returned from the retreat renewed with the “spiritual garden” of my soul, richly nourished in a time of profound workplace anxiety. I became committed to enjoying grace in my work… Read More »Waiting for the Ripening
I don’t remember when this dream took root in my heart. Neither do I remember its first inception. But it has stayed with me and taken on different colors and contours. This audacious idea to bring together the body of Christ to possibly “solve” homelessness and eradicate poverty. It embarrassed me to share the idea. It felt so naïve and idealistic. And as I learned in film school, they will… Read More »Dreaming with God