Process
Our unique process is more a way of life than a program. It is a way of preparing to be encountered by Jesus, guided by His word and lead by His Spirit. It is pilgrimage, an Emmaus road walk, experiential learning, teaching and imparting of the truth granted along the way.[1]
The biggest challenge is to be as honest as possible in presentations to and discipleship of individuals and groups. The temptation, of course, is to play it safe, to go with straight "pedagogy" and "wow" people with information rather that allowing them to see something of your own blood and a bit of your actual and every day need of Christ. For me, the latter has been incredibly healing and transformative, and the other (information and pedagogy) leaves me 'smarter,' better organized but not very alive.
Spiritual Formation is an overflow ministry, meaning, you have to do your own exploring, seeking and finding (your own soul work) before anything of meaning can ever come. It is real time, that is, the work of the Spirit is always living, active and dynamic.
Further, we believe the movements of the Spirit of Jesus cannot be canned, predicted, manipulated or utilized to our own ends. The Spirit of Christ must be waited on, listened for, delighted in, followed after and enjoyed above all things.
Generally, some of the tools we employ in our work are:
This journey is wild and wonderful, occasionally befuddling but always beautiful. And yet, somehow we know that we are in this moment by His design and we are content with nothing less than His peace.
[1] Please see “Confessions of a Whiskey Priest” under Writings.
The biggest challenge is to be as honest as possible in presentations to and discipleship of individuals and groups. The temptation, of course, is to play it safe, to go with straight "pedagogy" and "wow" people with information rather that allowing them to see something of your own blood and a bit of your actual and every day need of Christ. For me, the latter has been incredibly healing and transformative, and the other (information and pedagogy) leaves me 'smarter,' better organized but not very alive.
Spiritual Formation is an overflow ministry, meaning, you have to do your own exploring, seeking and finding (your own soul work) before anything of meaning can ever come. It is real time, that is, the work of the Spirit is always living, active and dynamic.
Further, we believe the movements of the Spirit of Jesus cannot be canned, predicted, manipulated or utilized to our own ends. The Spirit of Christ must be waited on, listened for, delighted in, followed after and enjoyed above all things.
Generally, some of the tools we employ in our work are:
- Spiritual Direction
- Spiritual Companionship
- Listening Prayer
- Mentoring
- Small Group Facilitation
- Presentation – Multi-media, art, music, teaching
- Writing
This journey is wild and wonderful, occasionally befuddling but always beautiful. And yet, somehow we know that we are in this moment by His design and we are content with nothing less than His peace.
[1] Please see “Confessions of a Whiskey Priest” under Writings.