Six Questions with… the Rev. Scott Slater

 

The Rev. Scott Slater is an Episcopal priest and has served in the Diocese of Maryland since 2001. Following nine years as rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Baltimore, he began serving on the bishops’ staff as the canon to the ordinary in July 2010. He was a founding board member of Well for the Journey and former board chair, and he currently serves as “listener” for the board. In addition, Scott is a facilitator at the Well, and most recently, as a Certified Daring Way facilitator, he co-leads programs based on books by Dr. Brené Brown. Learn more about and register for Gifts of an Imperfect Faith (June 15 & 22), a program based on Brown’s Gifts of Imperfection.

How/when did you become involved with Well for the Journey?

In 2001 I had just been called to Church of the Good Shepherd where a small group of people were in a discernment group looking at their individual call to mission. Mabeth Hudson was part of that group and out of that discernment process came the idea for the Well. Mabeth then asked me to be part of a more focused discernment group to listen for how this idea would take on flesh and bones. I have been connected ever since.

What do you wish more people knew about the Well?

I wish more people knew how spiritually safe and nurturing the atmosphere of the Well’s offerings are, especially for people who are recovering from negative spiritual encounters in their past. The Well offers experiences that challenge individuals to stretch themselves spiritually without it feeling forced or overly institutional.

What’s a great event for newcomers to check out?

I am completely biased toward promoting any creative class or workshop that my wife, Becky Slater, leads. Creativity is a powerful and fun way to exercise one’s spiritual muscles and Becky’s approach allows even the least creative to find a path for creative exploration. (Check out Becky’s Mixed Media Summer Fun workshop on June 29 – no art experience necessary!)

Why did you decide to become a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and what is it about Brené Brown’s work that resonates with you?

As an addiction survivor, I was intrigued by Dr. Brown’s research on shame which is a huge issue for many who struggle with addiction (including those in recovery). As a priest I have observed a significant correlation between shame and forgiveness and so I continue to explore how her work impacts spiritual growth and formation.

What Well events are you looking forward to attending or facilitating this year?

I look forward to offering more facilitation of the Daring Way curriculum and I also hope to someday help organize and lead another pilgrimage, like I one I co-led to New Mexico in 2007. And maybe a spiritual hike or two co-led with Greg Cochran, the Well’s executive director and one of my favorite hiking buddies.

What are your favorite hobbies/leisure activities?

I love to be on the move in the great outdoors. I’m an almost-daily runner and also enjoy hiking and walking. I have recently led a series of prayer walks around Baltimore City and am soon planning to walk the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain this fall. I also enjoy gardening and completing any kind of puzzle (especially crosswords and sudoku).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well for the Journey