Purveyors of Awe: Spiritual Leaders and the Science and Practice of Awe

Name: Purveyors of Awe: Spiritual Leaders and the Science and Practice of Awe
Start: 2026-08-22T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-08-22T16:00:00-05:00
Location: 1001 W Walnut, Independence, MO, United States, Missouri 64050

Schedule

Sat Aug 22 2026 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

1001 W Walnut, Independence, MO, United States, Missouri 64050 | Independence, MO

The science of awe has seen a surge in the last decade, highlighting its benefits of emotional regulation, greater feelings of connection, and inspiration to self-giving, among others. Science is confirming what artists and theologians have always known: awe is good for us. This is good news for us as spiritual leaders for our task of elevating peace and wellbeing among our parishioners, patients, clients, and students.
This event will resonate with spiritual directors, pastors, worship leaders, seminarians and academics, chaplains, social workers, and others who seek to infuse a grounded spirituality and practices of awe into their work. Marcia McFee, PhD., will guide us in learning about cutting edge scientific research, connecting it to the spiritual wisdom from various voices. She has also curated experiences of awe and collective effervescence to choose from in the stunning Community of Christ Temple Complex.
Come to learn about and experience awe. Leave inspired with a vision of building up wellbeing and peace in our city with practices of wonder, delight, meaning, curiosity, and connection.
This event is sponsored by The Center for Living Water, launched in 2021, with a primary desire to form communities of peacemakers and offer diverse entry points into sacred community. This event focuses on Kansas City metro spiritual leaders who are seeking revitalization, more connection with colleagues, and access to spiritual renewal opportunities.
REGISTRATION: $35-100. There are costs associated with this event, but we want to provide a sliding scale fee structure so that participation is as accessible as possible. Your support helps make these events possible!
GUEST PRESENTER, DR. MARCIA MCFEE:
Dr. Marcia McFee is a professor, worship designer, author, preacher and ritual artist. Her first career was in professional theater, music, and dance in major companies that toured the world. She brings all of that, combined with a Master’s in Theology and a PhD in Worship and Ethics to her work of designing, leading, and teaching about meaningful and memorable worship for over 30 years to thousands of churches through her Worship Design Studio.
(worshipdesignstudio.com)
Dr. McFee’s latest research is about the impact awe and wonder can have on our spiritual communal wellbeing. She speaks at conferences and leads retreat experiences based on the research as well as offering a Guided Study and Journal on the topic.
(www.purveyorsofawe.com)