STORYWORK COLLECTIVE

The Vision

Inspired by the work of Curt Thompson’s Confessional Communities, Theological Horizons brings group storywork to students in the spring of 2026. We hope to offer a space on Grounds where students can lay down what they carry and experience the freedom of being deeply seen, heard, and welcomed through the sharing and receiving of personal stories.

People often carry more than they say. The work of being known cannot be done alone. It requires a community that practices honesty, gentleness, courage, and curiosity across differences. Where shame tries to isolate and disintegrate us, The StoryWork Collective is a place where we embody presence, imagination, and repair, and discover a deeper sense of understanding with ourselves and one another. This community is for any student seeking a space to show up as they are. We hope you’ll join us.

Apply to the Program

- Create an environment where students feel seen, safe, and secure as they tell their story
- Listen deeply and respond with presence and compassion
- Practice honest vulnerability over time
- Grow in our capacity to sit with and manage emotions
- Navigate rupture and practice repair with courage and grace
- Honor the presence of God while welcoming all thought practices and beliefs
A short-term community with 6–8 other students.
- Groups meet once a week for 6-8 weeks.
- Groups are intentionally small so that trust and presence can grow.
- Time to tell your story.
- A simple storytelling liturgy, where each person gets space to share their experiences and reflect in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
Growth
- As we move from “talking about things” to “being with one another,” we learn how to offer attuned, embodied responses. We use grounding practices, silence, reflection, and prayer in ways that welcome students of all beliefs and backgrounds.
Being Known
- Through guided reflections and resources, we learn to tell our stories more truthfully and receive others’ stories with respect and gentle curiosity.
A Welcoming Space
- You’re welcome here whether you are a Christian, an atheist, spiritually curious, questioning, or exploring practices from other traditions.
- StoryWork Collective is meant to be a space where people finally feel seen, soothed, safe, and secure as they engage in the work of personal storytelling.
Confidentiality
- Everything shared in the group stays in the group. This protects trust and honors each person’s story.
Conduct
- We keep the focus upon one another by silencing our phones and devices, putting them away for the 75 minute gatherings.
- We respect other’s opinions and thoughts even if they differ from our our own
- We come with an open mind. We don’t avoid tension or conflict but seek to move toward it with honesty and grace. Learning how to repair well becomes one of the most transformative parts of the journey.
Commitment
- Groups meet weekly for 75 minutes, beginning and ending on time.
- Students commit to the group for 6 weeks.
- All who attend at least 5 out of the 6 gatherings receive a stipend of $200 at the conclusion of the series.
- More than one absence may require conversation to maintain group continuity.
Construction
- This is a pilot project of Theological Horizons so some things will be imperfect; that’s why we value your input as we learn, adapt and grow.
Members are expected to bring:
- A willingness to sit with hard emotions and stay present
- A posture of curiosity instead of criticism
- A commitment to personal and communal flourishing
- An absence of active self-harm intent or disintegrating addictions
- A desire to participate fully in the StoryWork Collective process

What’s Next?

When do the meetings take place?

There will be 2 cohorts for this pilot launch, each lasting 6 weeks. Each cohort will meet on Monday afternoons from 3:15-4:30PM.

Cohort 1: Jan 19-Feb 23 (total of 6 Mondays)

Cohort 2: March 9-April 13 (total of 6 Mondays)

Where do the meetings take place?

Cohorts will meet in-person in Theological Horizon’s private space near the Kindness Cafe on Rugby Road.

Participants are expected to attend each meeting in-person, with allowances for one to two virtual attendances if unavoidable.

Is there a stipend for participating in this program?

Yes! This is a pilot program, and we are relying on the feedback and investment of the participants to build upon it. We are offering a $200 stipend to all participants that attend at least 5 out of 6 sessions, engage fully, and provide feedback through our final survey.