A formation journey for leaders longing to move from productivity-driven to flourishing.

In a world driven by productivity, we invite you to slow down, abide, and cultivate a flourishing life through the Art of Vinemaking Journey. This immersive experience includes: a retreat, a year-long cohort, 4 online courses, and The Art of Vinemaking book by Bette Dickinson.

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"Bette’s prophetic reminder about the importance of ‘who we are becoming as we abide in the true vine’ was critical as we enter a new ministry year filled with many tasks. Her call to be an interdependent vineyard community ushered in a new mindset for how to do ministry moving forward.”

– WILL CHU, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Associate Regional Director

Here’s What’s Included:

  • Retreat

    VINEYARD & WINEMAKING ENCOUNTER
    An immersive 4-day experience in Northern Michigan’s vineyards, exploring spiritual rhythms of flourishing, abundance, and communion with God through creation.

  • Online Cohort

    4 QUARTERLY INTENSIVES
    A year-long online community experience with quarterly 4-week intensives, designed to integrate spiritual practices and lessons from the vine into your daily life and ministry. Intensives will meet online weekly for four weeks at a time.

  • The Art of Vinemaking

    BOOK & ONLINE COURSES

    Bette’s new book + 4 online courses explore the wisdom of viticulture through John 15, guiding you to abide in Christ and yield to the Vinedresser’s cultivation.

A MESSAGE FROM BETTE DICKINSON

Join me on the journey from Vine to New Wine

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener…
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
– John 15:1, 4

This beloved passage invites us into a life deeply rooted in Christ, but do you ever wonder:

  • How do I remain in Christ through seasons like dormancy, pruning, and bud break?

  • What is the Vinedresser’s way of cultivation?

  • How can I embody the cyclical rhythm of the vine in life and ministry?

For the past six years, I’ve sought answers to these questions. Guided by my vinedresser friend Dave, the lessons I’ve learned from the vine have not only shaped my spiritual life but also inspired my upcoming book. These lessons have led me into a liberating new way of living and seeing the world, and now I invite you to journey with me.

I want to learn more about The Art of Vinemaking Journey!

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FAQs

  • The closest airport is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan. It is a regional airport with connections to major hubs like Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis. We recommend flying into TVC for the most convenient access to the retreat location.

  • Transportation during the retreat will be provided, but you will need to secure your own transportation to the Spider Lake Retreat before and after the retreat. The address is: 4370 N Spider Lake Rd

  • Yes, a limited number of scholarships are available for those in ministry with financial constraints. You can indicate your need during the application process.

  • Once your application has been accepted to the Art of Vinemaking Journey, you will receive a confirmation email. The email will outline how payments will be invoiced and paid. You can pay for the entire program upfront or choose to have it divided into four payments over 10 months. Due to the cost of the retreat, 50% of the entire program will be due by September 1, 2025. If a different payment plan is requested, please send an email to admin@bettedickinson.com

  • The cohort meets virtually for four seasonal intensives throughout the year. Each intensive includes:

    • Weekly virtual gatherings for teaching, reflection, and prayer

    • Video lessons, guided meditations, and reflection prompts

    • Online resources to deepen personal practice between sessions

  • Cohort meeting days and times will be finalized based on participants' availability. While Mondays at 1 PM ET is a tentative option, a scheduling link will be shared after registration to help us accommodate your schedule.

  • Each 4 week intensive includes:

    • Weekly 1.5-hour cohort meetings on Zoom

    • Reading assignments from The Art of Vinemaking

    • 30–40 min guided spiritual practices (audio-guided walks, Lectio Divina, etc.)

    • Short video interviews (7–10 min) with Bette Dickinson and Dave Bos

    • Reflection questions to deepen your engagement

    Participants can expect to spend 3–4 hours per week engaging with the material and practices.