About the Institute

Meet the Team

Faith Statement

  • We believe God is the Creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

    (Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

  • We believe man(male and female) is made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates man from God.

    (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1,2)

  • We believe man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.

    (John 3:16; 2:25; 5:11-13; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; 1 John 5:11-12; Matthew 15:31-46)

  • We believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords.

    (Matthew 1:22,23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 15:10-13; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)

  • We believe salvation is a gift from God to mankind. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can mankind be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.

    (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:4; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)

  • We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men/women aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

    (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:1)

  • We believe the Bible is God’s word to all mankind. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.

    (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119: 105,160; 12:6; Proverbs 30: 5)

Meet The Retreat team

At the Spiritual Formation Institute, we have a dedicated staff who are wanting to come alongside you on your journey.

Patricia Meye

Patricia leads the Spiritual Formation Institute and is passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus' love personally and intimately. Patricia is an avid golfer and can often be found in nature relaxing with those she loves!

Founder • Director • Faculty

Bill Staffieri

From the Simple Green Alligator mascot to being a part of the team at the Spiritual Formation Institute, Bill is patient, loyal and fun-loving! Growing up as an aspiring Dodgers player, he soon decided that it wasn't for him because "I realized how hard it was to hit a 90mph fastball." He wants people to discover the unfathomable joy living a life with the Lord.

Faculty

Scott Whaley

Scott's personal motto is "Make no decision before it's time." As someone who is inspired by Ignatius of Loyola, his passion is to help sincere people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Even though he can't sing, play an instrument or juggle, he is a Marvel aficionado and can usually be found relaxing in his backyard and spending time with his grandbabies.

Faculty • Pastor In-Residence

Connie Whaley

Connie is cautious, caring and safe. With an ability to thrive in details, she is a good listener and processor of thoughts. When she isn’t working, you can find her spending time with her husband, kids and grandkids!

Spiritual Director • Staff

Michelle Shepherd

Worship Leader

Michelle is a passionate worship leader who's mission is to bring people to Jesus.

Derek Beauchamp

Derek's ideal day is spent with good friends outdoors swimming, hiking and grilling. Inspired the most by his mother's strength and endurance, he wants people to remember him as a faithful, hard-working, high integrity leader and Jesus follower. When you meet him, ask him about his talent of rescuing plants off of the "death rack"!

Faculty

Donna Randazzo

Donna is a woman of many talents! Not only is she a Certified Medical Assistant, a Phlebotomist AND a Chaplain, she is a part of our Spiritual Formation team! She’s passionate about justice, helping others, ending trafficking and loving God. On her days off, you can find her serving and spending time with her family and friends!

Spiritual Director • Staff

We invite you to engage

The Spiritual Formation Institute is specifically designed to connect you with this dynamic journey of knowing Jesus Christ and the abundant life He offers.

Have questions about the retreat? Visit our FAQs.

Experience The Retreat