Dozens of people from around the world are expected to converge upon Kenyon College this summer to learn how to put their faith into words.

Sarah Kahrl, director of Kenyon Institute, announced that registration is going strong for “Beyond Walls: Spiritual Writing at Kenyon,” which will be held July 9-15 at the picturesque Kenyon College campus in Gambier, Ohio.

Clergy, spiritual directors, and lay leaders will learn about the strength of words and the impact they can have on people beyond their congregations at the weeklong conference. Instructors will utilize top methodologies in Christian and Jewish writing traditions to help students write sermons, newsletters, social media posts, blogs, op-eds, and more.

“We have over 50 registrants from 27 states and two countries, to date, as well as clergy, faith-based social service directors, journalists, spiritual directors, and denominational executives and communications directors from a wide variety of faith backgrounds,” Kahrl said.

Kahrl said the conference has drawn close to 80 participants in the past, and she hopes to see that kind of turnout again. The conference’s registration and financial aid program remain open through June 1.

The intensive program’s unique goal is a big reason for its popularity. “’Beyond Walls’ is designed to help clergy and spiritual writers of all kinds reach beyond their denominational and congregational walls to engage with seekers and believers online and in their communities,” Kahrl said. “Our program is a form-based writing intensive that helps writers master the blog, op-ed, essay, social media, and other writing forms and hone their message in small-group writing seminars led by spiritual writers and social media specialists.”

“Beyond Walls” is broken up into three platforms to help students reach the widest audience: small group seminars, solo writing, and writing groups with feedback. Additionally, students can attend varying skill-level social media workshops daily.

The writing conference will open with a dinner at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 9, and close with a special event at noon, Saturday, July 15.

Jonathan Merritt, a writer for The Atlantic and columnist for Religion News Services, will be among the featured speakers.

Interested persons can register online and obtain costs and details about accommodations at http://www.kenyoninstitute.org/programs/beyond-walls-spiritual-writing-at-kenyon/ and by calling 740-427-5250.