Meet Our Contemplative Community
We're a small but dedicated team of practitioners who've found deep meaning in Christian meditation. Our backgrounds span monastery walls to university lecture halls, but what unites us is a shared commitment to helping others discover the transformative power of contemplative prayer.
Each of us brings unique perspectives shaped by years of personal practice and study.
Our Teaching Team
Marcus Hendricks
Lead Meditation Instructor
Marcus spent seven years at a Benedictine monastery in Kerala before transitioning to lay ministry in 2019. His approach to contemplative prayer draws heavily from the Desert Fathers while remaining accessible to modern practitioners. He's particularly skilled at helping newcomers overcome the initial challenges of silent meditation.
What sets Marcus apart is his ability to explain complex spiritual concepts through simple analogies. Many students appreciate how he addresses common misconceptions about Christian meditation without being preachy.
Tobias Chen
Spiritual Formation Director
After completing his Master of Divinity at United Theological College in Bangalore, Tobias spent three years researching the intersection of Eastern contemplative practices and Christian spirituality. His thesis on "Mindfulness in the Gospels" has influenced how we structure our introductory courses.
Tobias brings an academic rigor to our programs while maintaining the warmth needed for spiritual guidance. Students often mention how his background helps them understand the biblical foundations underlying our meditation practices.
What Guides Our Work
Authentic Practice
We believe contemplative prayer should be rooted in genuine Christian tradition, not trendy spiritual movements. Our methods draw from centuries of tested practices that have sustained believers through both peaceful and turbulent times.
Individual Pace
Everyone's spiritual journey unfolds differently. Some students dive deep immediately, while others need months to feel comfortable with silence. We respect these natural rhythms rather than pushing artificial timelines.
Community Connection
While meditation is deeply personal, we've found that sharing the journey with others provides encouragement and accountability. Our small group sessions create space for questions, insights, and mutual support.
Why We Started This Work
In 2022, Marcus and Tobias were leading separate meditation groups in Nashik when they realized how many people were struggling to find authentic Christian contemplative resources. Most available materials either felt too academic or borrowed heavily from non-Christian traditions without acknowledging the differences.
They began collaborating on workshops that honored both the intellectual and experiential aspects of contemplative prayer. The response surprised them – people weren't just looking for relaxation techniques, but for deeper spiritual practices that connected with their faith.
What started as monthly gatherings has grown into structured courses, but we've maintained our commitment to small groups and personalized guidance. We're planning to expand our offerings in late 2025 with advanced retreats for those ready to deepen their practice.
Connect With Our Team