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Goldenwood on Forefront 360

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

Eva Ting

Why a Decelerator?

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?

The Allure of Counterfeit Spirituality

As another year comes to a close and a new one begins, it’s a natural time to reflect on our spiritual journeys and set intentions for growth in the year ahead. In the last few years, I’ve felt a growing inclination to rely more on discerning God’s voice over a dependence on the wisdom of others.  I’ve discovered that listening for God’s voice makes all the difference, cultivating an intimate… Read More »The Allure of Counterfeit Spirituality

Listening Changes Everything

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

Celebrating 2023: A Year-in-Review

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

A beautifully lit room, filled with community, feasting and listening together

Institute Peek Recap: An Audacious Vision for Work Revived by Love

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

Waiting for the Ripening

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

Man in city park surrounded by Pigeons

Dreaming with God

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

A sketched image of the exterior of a Brooklyn brownstone

Learning to Follow

I’ve had some form of this dream for over 10 years and it has morphed in so many ways since then.  Being an introvert and Enneagram 5, I am driven most by my need to feel competent, which means I lean on my own understanding and ability.  And so when God showed me this dream, I naturally leaned into trying to take the matter into my own hands, solving the problem… Read More »Learning to Follow

train rail between green trees

A Freight Train Fueled by Uncertainty

At the beginning of 2023, I finally decided to do what others had been encouraging me to do for years: Start my own thing. I registered a web domain, applied for an L3C with the Illinois Secretary of State, and began telling family and friends about my plans to start a mediation and restorative justice practice to address sexual harm. And, suddenly, after five years of thinking, planning, learning, and–to… Read More »A Freight Train Fueled by Uncertainty