“And their eyes were opened and they recognised him…” Luke 24:31 (ESV)
There is a longing in our hearts to be leadership communities who recognise Jesus and join in his flourishing work of shalom in the world. The question is ‘how’?
How do we have our eyes opened? How do we have ears to discern the voice of God together? How do we make room to notice the Spirit’s leading and will? How do we slow down to listen deeply, discern wisely and courageously embody a different way of walking the Jesus Way together? How do we remain faithful to the Spirit speaking through our unique selves, the people and context around us, and the bigger story of God?
Discerning the Good Life helps Christian leaders and ministry practitioners grow in the craft of discerning and sharing in God’s flourishing work within, among and around them. Christian discernment lies at the heart of how we practice reflection and action. It’s not a vending machine for getting simple answers; it’s an attentive and wise way of participating in God’s work in the world that forms us as followers of the Way.
Researched and refined over 15 years of scholarship and teaching, Discerning the Good Life draws from the Emmaus story and the image of the labyrinth to provide three simple yet deep movements for noticing God and joining in: contemplative listening (in/out/up), imaginative discernment, and courageous embodiment.
Curated by Dr. Bruce Hulme, with co-facilitators from our network, Discerning the Good Life will run as a seven-month journey in 2026 that will instruct you and deepen your capacity and formation as a leader.
Go slow and deep in a like-minded community to learn the craft of formational reflective practice so you can share in pockets of shalom in your own life and ministry experiences. Through a praxis-oriented curriculum you will:
- learn a simple yet deep way to connect experience and faith that is soulful, robust and practical
- practice discernment from a slower and wiser centre of being to deepen your formation journey
- join in God’s good life of shalom through reflecting on daily life and work to bear fruit that lasts
- grow in deep listening for discernment, aided by the imagination
- find courage to embody discerned truths with heart and integrity
The cohort will meet every three weeks (on average) during March to September, engaging with online content modules, 8 online facilitations, and 2 in-person gatherings.
Dr. Bruce Hulme is a freelance wisdom educator, consultant, retreat curator, spiritual director and professional supervisor, specialising in Christian reflective practice and formation. Drawing on over a decade in ministry and 15 years at Tabor College, he now comes alongside individuals and communities as a soulful, robust and practical presence, helping them discern and join in God’s good work in the world.
Bruce has worked closely with our network in recent years, facilitating spiritual retreats and workshops for our leaders, including, most recently, our Empowering Elders Retreat in August.
Visit Bruce’s page: https://www.talkingthewalk.com.au/
Key Details
Who is this for? Elders, ministers, chaplains and maturing leaders in our network.
When March-September 2026
Where Online content modules and facilitations, and 2 in-person gatherings – location TBD based on expression of interest response.
Cost $860 per person for the course.
This is a subsidised rate by CCNSWACT. Accommodation for both in-person gatherings will be in addition to this cost. If cost is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to discuss options to support you at hello@ccnswact.org.au
Expressions of Interest
To be considered for this cohort, please register your Expression of Interest below. Spaces are limited for 2026.
Discerning the Good Life 2026 (Expression of Interest)
Discerning the Good Life is a seven-month journey facilitated by Bruce Hulme in 2026, that will instruct you and deepen your capacity as a leader in spiritual community to listen for and discern the shalom of God.
