Having spent the last 40 days (approximately) going through The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, this post is a compilation of the lessons I have gleaned on spiritual formation as I analyzed the structure and content of this time-tested form of spiritual formation used by the Jesuits since the order’s inception. These 8 Attributes in Effective Spiritual Formation are not necessarily a comprehensive list to make a perfect church program, as the Exercises are more meditative than action orientated, but are those applicable elements which I found in Ignatius’ work. My posts from when I went through the Exercises are linked at the end. Continue reading 8 Attributes in Effective Spiritual Formation: Lessons Learned from Saint Ignatius
The Spiritual Exercises: Week 3
Spoilers in this paragraph. The meditations of the third week (intimate union with God through Christ with meditations on the passion of Christ) continued with contemplation on the passion of Jesus, from the preparation of the Last Supper through his burial, focusing on his suffering. Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: Week 3
Getting More Creative with Pastoral Support
Back in the 1990s, I was at a church that was ready to move on from renting space at the local high school to having its own faculty. However, property zoned for churches was limited and expensive. We also did not have a lot of money. What we did have was carpenters, sheet rockers, an HVAC specialist, an architect, and an electrician (some of whom were out of work), all attending our church. So between these trades, our little bit of capital, a lot of volunteer labor, and the Lord’s favor, we turning two warehouse units into a nice church facility. We could not simply pay our way, so we got creative, used our talents, and got our hands dirty. Continue reading Getting More Creative with Pastoral Support
The Spiritual Exercises: Week 2 part 2
Spoilers in this paragraph. The meditations of the second week (the illumination of Christ and his call to participate in the Kingdom with meditations on the life of Christ) continued with contemplation on the ministry of Jesus, from his baptism through Palm Sunday. Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: Week 2 part 2
The Spiritual Exercises: Week 2 part 1
Spoilers in this paragraph. The meditations of the second week (the illumination of Christ and his call to participate in the Kingdom with meditations on the life of Christ) consisted of contemplation on the incarnation and nativity. Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: Week 2 part 1
Book Review: ΘRGANIX
ΘRGANIX by Bob Whitesel examines and explains the Millennial leadership model as compared to the Modern (Boomer) leadership model. I think this book is worth reading by leaders belonging to any generation, especially those working across generations or attempting to build multi-generational ministry. Boomer leaders will see what the next generation is doing as, and expecting of, leaders. Millennial leaders will find affirmation (or correction) for their style, and see the perspective of the previous generation. Gen-Xers (like me) will see how we have walked the line between the two styles. I was able to see where my early leadership training came from, and why I felt the need to sometimes buck that instruction as I grew as a leader. For all, there are lessons to be learned about providing authentic leadership for the next generation. Continue reading Book Review: ΘRGANIX
Call to Worship: Smite Thee
There is a Flash game called Smite Thee where you play as Zeus. When an “unbeliever” walks over to steal a brick from your temple, you hit the space bar to smite them with a lightening bolt. I suppose that is one way to handle conflict. I smite thee. Or I can be passive-aggressive and I ignore thee.
The Spiritual Exercises: Week 1
Spoilers in this paragraph. The meditations of the first week consisted of meditations on: the sin of angels, the sin of Adam and Eve, my own sin, Christ our Lord suspended on the cross, and hell. Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: Week 1
Peters, Pauls, and Timothys
According to the records we have in the book of Acts, nobody had better single day evangelistic event than Peter. According to Acts 2, 3,000 people were baptized and their numbers continued to grow daily. In pastoral, and literal, terms, he was a a”big fisherman.” Peter was a big vision type of leader, declaring Joel 2:28-32 to be happening as he spoke. With that resume builder, one might think that Peter would continue to be the driving force through the Acts narrative, but instead it transitions to Paul. Continue reading Peters, Pauls, and Timothys
The Spiritual Exercises: The Pre-work Warm-up
The Purpose
The purpose of The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius are “to help one to discard disordered attachments and through this means to order one’s life toward God, without coming to a decision from some disordered attachment pleasing more to self than to God” (Ignatius in Ganss, 1992). As I have just completed seminary and am looking for a place to engage in full-time ministry, going through the Exercises at this time is opportune.
Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: The Pre-work Warm-up