Spiritual Formation
On Justifying Self
Posted on April 19, 2010, 10:55 am | 1 comment
Topics: Spiritual Formation
As I woke up this morning, I was having imagined conversations with some people in the church and who were once members of the church. I wanted reasons for their actions. I was asking the question every young child asks: Why? For instance: why do you attend that other church? Why have you stopped attending church altogether? Read more »
Self-Deception
Posted on April 12, 2010, 2:47 pm
Topics: Spiritual Formation
The range of what we think or do Is limited by what we fail to notice...Failing to notice is a strategy we use to avoid truth that demands change. We all believe that we ought to love our neighbour. In fact most of us think we are doing alright in this regard. Of course we tend to surround ourselves with... Read more »
The Easter Story and the Way of the Elder
Posted on April 7, 2010, 12:31 am | 1 comment
Topics: Spiritual Formation
As I was thinking about the sermons for Good Friday and Easter Sunday, it struck me (once again) that the story we tell was not intended to simply give us a wonderful celebration 2000 years later. Jesus came to bring change. Read more »
Fresh Eyes Ears
Posted on March 18, 2010, 3:27 pm
Topics: Spiritual Formation
My grandchildren have me looking as if for the first time once again. They see what I pass over. They are delighted with what I consider common. They hear in a fresh way. Observing them takes me out of my world and into theirs. Fresh ears and eyes that see and hear with wonder. It reminds me of what Jesus said: “unless you become like a child.” Read more »
Reflections on Prayer While Reading HOME
Posted on February 8, 2010, 11:32 am
Topics: Spiritual Formation
Sometimes by the time we get to pray we have already fretted and considered. By the time we come to God, our prayers reveal the solution to our crisis. God give me what I believe I need so that this moment will pass leaving me with the “appearance of dignity”. Read more »
Conversations for Listening Groups
Posted on January 28, 2010, 1:55 pm
Topics: Spiritual Formation
Listening Groups have one purpose: to listen to God. The people may change, the questions may change, and the circumstances may differ but as we gather together one thing remains the same: we know that the Word and Spirit will guide us to follow Christ and bring glory to God, our Father. Read more »
Do You Love Me?
Posted on January 28, 2010, 11:40 am
Topics: Spiritual Formation
It is the question Jesus asked Peter. It is the question every member asks the elder.   When we become an elder, the tasks of the office loom before us. We will have to attend meetings, engage in church management, arrange visits with members, and take on leadership responsibilities. If you are a first time elder, these responsibilities can be overwhelming. Read more »
Elders and Spiritual Formation
Posted on January 28, 2010, 1:04 am
Topics: Spiritual Formation
In our tradition, the elders are encouraged (required by article 65 of the church order) to make an annual home visit. The purpose of these visits have varied over time: providing pastoral care, applying the preaching to the life of the members, supervising of the Lord’s Supper, ensuring that the church programs were effective. Each of these had a different slant on the way to conduct the home visit. At its root the concern was similar. Read more »
Contentment and Spiritual Formation
Posted on January 23, 2010, 2:14 pm
Topics: Spiritual Formation
Christians have always remarked that contentment is rooted not in the circumstances of our lives but in God who gives life. We would do well to ask: what is my source of contentment? How do the habits of my life display that I find more contentment in the Lord than a trip to the mall? Read more »
Spiritual Formation: Becoming Like Christ
Posted on January 11, 2010, 12:21 pm
Topics: Spiritual Formation
When our first child entered our lives, we wondered about her growth. Was it normal for her to sleep so much? What about her smile? When would she learn to turn over on her own? So we bought a book called The First Twelve Months. It gave us a month-by-month description ... Read more »
Guiding the Faith Journey: A Map for Spiritual Leaders
Posted on January 9, 2010, 12:00 am
Topics: Spiritual Formation
I've written this book to help church leaders guide others on their spiritual journey. The 19 brief chapters can be used for devotions at council meetings, where participants can examine their own spiritual growth and explore how to discuss topics with others. Read more »