Ministering out of a deep center. Becoming a less anxious person. These are two reasons why I chose to accept an invitation to join the first cohort called Contemplative Minister’s Initiative organized by the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry at ACU and funded by generous private donors. Thank you for this truly life changing ministry! I am more than blessed to have been a part of this pioneer group. Continue reading “TGIF Armchair Contemplative”
One Spiritual Discipline You Must Practice
“…One of the deepest longings of the human heart is to be known and loved unconditionally,” says Ruth Haley Barton as she begins chapter six of her book Sacred Rhythms. A common desire among us is that we want others to be authentic and transparent. A byproduct of this desire is that it requires that we be open and transparent with others. We want people to “be real.” We also want to be known and loved for who we are. We fear though, that if we act as we want others to act with us, with openness, then they will reject us. Being open opens us up to unwanted ridicule and judgment.
Continue reading “One Spiritual Discipline You Must Practice”
Eat This Book: The Christian Diet of Listening
Many people experience prayer as a burden and not as a pleasure.
Even if it is agreed upon as important most people feel guilty about their failure to pray enough. Why does prayer rank so high on surveys of theoretical importance and so low on surveys of actual satisfaction? Why does prayer seem such a struggle?
We may feel as though we lack the words to pray. Could it be that our frame work of prayer needs to change?
Continue reading “Eat This Book: The Christian Diet of Listening”
Why You Need to Stop Being Busy and Waste Time with God
I’m a preacher and the stereotype for preachers is that we like to hear ourselves speak. It’s different when I am alone. When I am alone I grow tired of my inner voice. It’s too critical. Sometimes I am the last person I want to hear from. That may appear too self-deprecating, but for me I talk too much and I may fall in love with my own thoughts instead of the mind of God. I also may love preaching too much. There is a tension to manage of wanting to be around people so that they might like me and wanting to glorify God. Continue reading “Why You Need to Stop Being Busy and Waste Time with God”