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?
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
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
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
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
Women experience collective trauma when they live and operate in systems–parenting, corporate, legal–that were not built by them. There is a journey each woman must take through frustration and pain to forgiveness, healing, agency and re-capturing creativity. Much of the latter part of the journey takes place in a community of witness and recognition, and there is usually no better person to walk them through this journey than someone who… Read More »An Invitation Into Adventure
Dream Forum! What a gift it was for me! God in His sovereignty brought it into my life when I needed it most, when I was looking for ways to be true to my gifts and abilities that He gave me, when I needed a creative outlet to go through a very difficult time in my life. God showed up in a quiet way and told me, “I got you!”… Read More »Freed, Surprised, Empowered