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Spirituality: A Resounding “Yes!”
June 28, 2018 – 6:40 am | Comments Off on Spirituality: A Resounding “Yes!”
Spirituality: A Resounding “Yes!”

by Janiqua Codrington

Codrington expounds on the mysterious connection between ourselves and God and what it is that keeps us aligned with creation according to the understanding that the Spirit of God is within. Interestingly, Jürgen Moltmann’s insightful metaphor captures the Spirit’s wholeness by calling it the Spirit of Life; the unrestricted presence of God that awakens our life. “Unrestricted presence” precludes any attempt to contain the Spirit that never sought to be confined. The Spirit of Life is available to the whole of creation and forges a connection that extends beyond human limitation and prejudice, thereby forming “spirituality.”

Spirituality and Congregational Transformation
June 28, 2018 – 6:39 am | 2 Comments
Spirituality and Congregational Transformation

by Linda Anderson-Little

According to Rick Rouse and Craig Van Gelder, certain shifts in identity must be undertaken by a congregation that desires to transform its traditional ministry to one that engages millennials, the “spiritual but not religious,” and “nones” from maintenance to mission; membership to discipleship; pastor centered to lay empowered; chaplaincy to hospitality; self-focus to global-focus; and settled to abroad.

Mission Spirituality
June 28, 2018 – 6:38 am | Comments Off on Mission Spirituality
Mission Spirituality

by Kevin Yoho

Being created by God as spiritual beings, life which is sourced by The Spirit is available to all. The community of faith must always remember that the Church and its leaders are called to be authentic, open channels for God’s spiritual energy to flow through us. We ourselves however, are not the spiritual energy as discussed in this article, but rather are immersed and filled with spiritual energy sourced in God. Each of us as followers of Jesus Christ are gathered and sent on the mission to release spiritual energy.

American Congregations in an Era of “Spiritual but not Religious”
June 28, 2018 – 6:37 am | Comments Off on American Congregations in an Era of “Spiritual but not Religious”
American Congregations in an Era of “Spiritual but not Religious”

by Moses Biney

This short article interrogates the notion that religious affiliation is of little or no importance to spiritual life. Further, it asserts that religious congregations continue to be very vital for spiritual formation and living. As a starting point, we must problematize the concept of spirituality.

Do We Really Want God?
June 28, 2018 – 6:36 am | Comments Off on Do We Really Want God?
Do We Really Want God?

by Carolyn A. Wright

In seasons of Lent, as the Church again invites us to focus our energies and embrace in new and deeper ways the three spiritual practices, prayer is an option. Wright suggests that when choosing prayer, one should ask, “Do we desire God?” or more pointedly, “Do I desire God” Prayer is communication with God, but it is also an excursion to unexplored realms. Wright suggests that we might today employ the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales—a ‘guru’ who can indeed, teach us to keep our eyes on Jesus during our spiritual travel.

A Case for Spiritual Direction in Chaotic Times
June 28, 2018 – 6:35 am | Comments Off on A Case for Spiritual Direction in Chaotic Times
A Case for Spiritual Direction in Chaotic Times

by Kathleen Geraty Davis

Spiritual direction has ancient roots in religious communities and among spiritual seekers. Within the past few decades, it has become much more widespread as more lay people are discerning a call and finding access to programs throughout the world designed to teach and form them to be spiritual directors. Spiritual direction is found in multiple faith traditions but the goal is universal. Spiritual directors, first and foremost seek to help others deepen their relationship with God (or however what is Sacred and Holy is named) through regular meetings, ongoing contemplative practice and committed presence to the endless movement of Spirit.

Preaching on the Holy Sonnets
June 28, 2018 – 6:34 am | Comments Off on Preaching on the Holy Sonnets
Preaching on the Holy Sonnets

by Jeff Dailey

Dailey introduces us to using other writings to preach the Word of God and illustrate theological concepts, those of John Donne, the “Holy Sonnets.” Eight years younger than Shakespeare, English writer John Donne lived from 1572 to 1631. Donne was one of the greatest poets in the English Renaissance, yet was conflicted. Even living in a violent era where physical well-being was precarious, he experienced more than the usual amount of death and conflict. Donne used poetry to experience God, a relationship that was not always pleasant. But he also used his poetry to reconcile with God, and to come to a greater understanding of the divine.

Reconciliation
February 9, 2018 – 11:12 am | Comments Off on Reconciliation
Reconciliation

by Stephen Reed

In order to shed understanding on the reconciliation sought by The Confession of 1967, several biblical passages illustrate how reconciliation was a unifying force in scripture. We are able to simultaneously look at history and the present to see how fellowship does not have to be limited to likeness of traditions and convictions. The desire of God’s intent to affect all is fully felt.

Reconciliation: On the 50th Anniversary of The Confession of 1967
February 9, 2018 – 11:11 am | Comments Off on Reconciliation: On the 50th Anniversary of The Confession of 1967
Reconciliation: On the 50th Anniversary of The Confession of 1967

by Neal Presa

The Confession of 1967 is an auspicious occasion in world and church history and is passionately documented with relevance in this piece. As divisions are bridged and progress is sought, the church is urgently encouraged to move onward with Christ’s mission.

Rejoice!
February 9, 2018 – 11:10 am | Comments Off on Rejoice!
Rejoice!

by Daryl G. Bloodsaw, I

Emotions often separated because of their polar nature, rejoicing and sorrow, are brought together in a much-needed conversation. Daryl Bloodsaw reveals how the human tendency to avoid sorrow’s end of the emotional spectrum undercuts the fullness of rejoicing with a simple study of Job. The reconciliation offered between the emotional opposites challenges readers to experience all for the fulfillment of God’s plans.

Rejoice
February 9, 2018 – 11:09 am | Comments Off on Rejoice
Rejoice

by Eunjoo Mary Kim

The root of our ability to rejoice is plainly expressed by Eunjoo Mary Kim, “The Lord has come as our Savior King.” She uses the well-known advent hymn Joy to the World to deepen our sense of rejoicing no matter the tumultuous circumstances of our time. She offers the challenge to rise with the hope of the living Christ to make rejoicing an action rather than a feeling this season.

“My Lord and My God!”—Saint Thomas, Apostle of Rejoicers
February 9, 2018 – 11:08 am | Comments Off on “My Lord and My God!”—Saint Thomas, Apostle of Rejoicers
“My Lord and My God!”—Saint Thomas, Apostle of Rejoicers

by Brandt L. Montgomery

This article adds a refreshing narrative to the advent season by exploring doubting Thomas whose feast day is four days before the birth of Christ. The reader will receive a strong reminder of the power of hope while in the throes of doubt. As Jesus meets Thomas in his grieving, we are encouraged to be bold enough to rejoice even while waiting through imperfect times.