Cursillo
Staff Contact: Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, 225-383-4777 or cherri@firstmethodist.org
A three-day experience that looks at Christianity as a lifestyle from a New Testament perspective. The weekend is designed for the development of Christian leaders and for anyone who wishes to strengthen their spiritual life. At Cursillo you live and study together, sing, pray, worship, discuss and experience God’s grace personally.  


Walk to Emmaus
Staff Contact: Rev. Katie McKay-Simpson, Minister of Discipleship and Evangelism, 225-383-4777 or katie@firstmethodist.org
A three-day (weekend) retreat that takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. The weekend is designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people for the transformation of the world.  Emmaus is a combined effort of laity and clergy dedicated to the renewal of the church. 

The Academy of Spiritual Leadership of the Louisiana Conference
Staff Contact: Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, 225-383-4777 or cherri@firstmethodist.org
The Academy for Spiritual Leadership is a ministry of the Louisiana Annual Conference designed to respond to the vision of the conference to raise up spiritual leaders for Christ. Our goal is to offer various settings that focus on the essentials of spiritual leadership, which calls forth and empowers both laity and clergy to be effective in ministry. Opportunities include: The Path of Spiritual Leadership; The Path of Spiritual Direction; The Discerners Academy for Calling and Ministry.

Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders (FUMSDRL)
Staff Contact Person: Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, 225-383-4777 or cherri@firstmethodist.org
FUMSDRL is a network of United Methodist spiritual directors and retreat leaders for the sharing of insights, thoughts, hopes and dreams for the ministry of spiritual formation within the UMC. FUMSDRL provides opportunities to gather in connection for resourcing and support.