ICS: Courses and Retreats

Lance Bolay

Lance Bolay, D.Min.

A Year with Thomas Merton with Four Book Discussions

Led by Lance Bolay, D.Min.
 

January, April, September, & November


 

About the Course

Join us for A Year with Thomas Merton, an online series exploring the spiritual life through the writings of one of the twentieth century's most enduring voices. Across four seasonal book discussions in 2026, we'll trace the arc of Merton's life and thought—from the restless energy of his early years to the deep integration of contemplation and action that defined his mature vision.

Each four-week discussion focuses on one of Merton's major works and the key themes it represents:

  • Conversion: The Seven Storey Mountain (January)
  • Formation: The Sign of Jonas (April)
  • Contemplation: New Seeds of Contemplation (September)
  • Action: Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander (November)

Together, these readings invite us into Merton's unfolding discovery of what it means to be fully human, deeply awake, and responsive to the divine in a complex world.

Participants may join for a single book or for the entire year-long journey. Each session includes brief teaching, group discussion, and guided reflection.

Course Details

Price

Each 4-week book discussion will be $100. Pay for the year-long series up front for $350 ($50 discount).

The Sign of Jonas

April 2026 — Sign of Jonas Book Discussion

Led by Lance Bolay, D.Min.

April 7, 14, 21 & 28 • 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 pm (CT) • Via Zoom


 

About the Course

The  2026 series continues with "Merton's Formation: The Sign of Jonas" where Merton invites us into the early years of his monastic life through honest, sometimes humorous journal entries. Here we see the real work of spiritual formation—learning patience, facing doubts, growing in community and discovering God in ordinary days. This book shows that the journey toward spiritual maturity is slow, human and full of grace.

Course Details

Price

$100 for four sessions

Lipscomb faculty and staff: email ics [at] lipscomb.edu (ics[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) for a $40 discount code.

Register Here 


 

About Lance Bolay

Lance Bolay, D.Min., Director of Mission Impact at Mosaic Counseling Centers of East Texas, is a trained spiritual director (ICS & Shalem Institute), guiding others in contemplative formation since 2010 and an ICS instructor since 2015.