Spoilers in this paragraph. The meditations of the fourth week (intimate union with God through Christ with meditations on the joys (resurrection and ascension) of Christ) continued with contemplation on the the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection and his ascension. Continue reading The Spiritual Exercises: Week 4
Wesleyans Just Wanna Have Fun
The title of the post should be sung to the tune of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” but those of you that grew up in the 1980s already knew that.
Over at Ascending Mount Carmel, Jason L. has made his second post on “If Theologians Were Beers” (part 1 & part 2). I am neither a beer drinker nor a Roman Catholic, but I enjoyed the posts. As a Wesleyan, I might have received a call from my district superintendent if I wrote such a post. (I still might for linking to Jason’s post!) DISCLAIMER: This blog, Five Words with Understanding, is not officially endorsed by The Wesleyan Church. Continue reading Wesleyans Just Wanna Have Fun
8 Attributes in Effective Spiritual Formation: Lessons Learned from Saint Ignatius
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