I think the self-reflection tool included with the resource list is very helpful. I would add that this tool could be valuable as part of the discernment process for any member as she/he considers leadership in their congregation. I would encourage current deacons to reflect with the congregation at large how this tool shapes their service to the community and the church.
Love this free and easy to adopt gratitude calendar. I'm also thankful for being introduced to new writers/artists/leaders who are designing creative ways to engage faith formation for all ages.
Wonderful discussion about soul care. I especially appreciate the 4 dimensions of soul care and the idea that a healthy and whole spiritual life needs regular attention in each of the dimensions. Syd mentioned the beauty and benefits of an extended soaking time by attending a soul care weekend or day long retreat--I'd love to see this offered in my local area with spiritual guides I trust and desire to learn from. I also echo Ron's comment that our pastors and church leaders don't share enough about their own experiences and regular use of practices for deep soul care...what might life look like if we modeled these practices and invited more people to participate with us?
Fabulous poem included in this post. Such richness of images possible in a conversation. I am wondering what that kind of generous listening posture looks like between me and God. What balloons is He tossing to me and what new understanding is blooming?
I love the vulnerability this post highlights. As a church leader, I want to have the answers. And yet, humility invites an environment of inquiry, creativity and wondering. The questions you include here are very good especially looking within our own congregation to see where we might bridge efforts in ministry so that we can gain some muscle memory for collaboration into our communities.
Lovely piece, Jill. I too have a tendency to look back to understand the steps (and missteps) I've taken and sometimes this takes up space that could propel me forward in hope. This is the wisdom of action and reflection; we need the work of both in our lives to better understand ourselves and God.
Appreciate your reflection, Dave. I can imagine it is quite a delight to be in a receiving posture on a regular basis. And, I believe these "A Ha" moments will be woven into the work you are doing with the denomination. I'd be curious to hear from pastors who have used components of the Spiritual Vitality toolkit and ways their leading has been impacted by the experience.
Simple and succinct! A good way to live into a rhythm of formation. And, I think it's a positive when we connect what we do as a local congregation with the global church in observing and practicing the liturgical church year.
Love this framing of faith formation! Wondering if we would consider the practice of the classic spiritual disciplines to be ways to "subtract" in our lives. Certainly fasting, silence and solitude nicely fit in that framework. I wonder how often we consider our liturgy as opportunities to present both addition and subtraction on a weekly basis.
Posted in: Orientation Resources for Deacon Leadership
I think the self-reflection tool included with the resource list is very helpful. I would add that this tool could be valuable as part of the discernment process for any member as she/he considers leadership in their congregation. I would encourage current deacons to reflect with the congregation at large how this tool shapes their service to the community and the church.
Posted in: Help Families Practice Gratitude in November with this Free Calendar
Love this free and easy to adopt gratitude calendar. I'm also thankful for being introduced to new writers/artists/leaders who are designing creative ways to engage faith formation for all ages.
Posted in: Ron and Syd Talk About Soul Care
Wonderful discussion about soul care. I especially appreciate the 4 dimensions of soul care and the idea that a healthy and whole spiritual life needs regular attention in each of the dimensions. Syd mentioned the beauty and benefits of an extended soaking time by attending a soul care weekend or day long retreat--I'd love to see this offered in my local area with spiritual guides I trust and desire to learn from. I also echo Ron's comment that our pastors and church leaders don't share enough about their own experiences and regular use of practices for deep soul care...what might life look like if we modeled these practices and invited more people to participate with us?
Posted in: Spiritual Growth Survey?
Are you looking for self-assessment or for church-wide assessment?
Posted in: The Difficult Spiritual Discipline of Listening
Fabulous poem included in this post. Such richness of images possible in a conversation. I am wondering what that kind of generous listening posture looks like between me and God. What balloons is He tossing to me and what new understanding is blooming?
Posted in: Collaborating in Humility
I love the vulnerability this post highlights. As a church leader, I want to have the answers. And yet, humility invites an environment of inquiry, creativity and wondering. The questions you include here are very good especially looking within our own congregation to see where we might bridge efforts in ministry so that we can gain some muscle memory for collaboration into our communities.
Posted in: From a Garden to a City: Looking Forward With Hope
Lovely piece, Jill. I too have a tendency to look back to understand the steps (and missteps) I've taken and sometimes this takes up space that could propel me forward in hope. This is the wisdom of action and reflection; we need the work of both in our lives to better understand ourselves and God.
Posted in: I Loved Preaching...Or So I Had Been Telling Myself
Appreciate your reflection, Dave. I can imagine it is quite a delight to be in a receiving posture on a regular basis. And, I believe these "A Ha" moments will be woven into the work you are doing with the denomination. I'd be curious to hear from pastors who have used components of the Spiritual Vitality toolkit and ways their leading has been impacted by the experience.
Posted in: Worship Songs: Current Favorites?
Trust in You by Lauren Daigle
Even If, Mercy Me
Posted in: Organizing Your Faith Formation Tools
Simple and succinct! A good way to live into a rhythm of formation. And, I think it's a positive when we connect what we do as a local congregation with the global church in observing and practicing the liturgical church year.
Posted in: Spiritual Math
Love this framing of faith formation! Wondering if we would consider the practice of the classic spiritual disciplines to be ways to "subtract" in our lives. Certainly fasting, silence and solitude nicely fit in that framework. I wonder how often we consider our liturgy as opportunities to present both addition and subtraction on a weekly basis.