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CS 654 Spiritual Formation in Congregations

CS 654 Spiritual Formation in Congregations. Weekend 4. Firestarter #1. What is the twofold task of spiritual formation ? Where does spiritual formation take place in your ministry setting? Note Wilhoit’s description on p38.

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CS 654 Spiritual Formation in Congregations

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  1. CS 654 Spiritual Formation in Congregations Weekend 4

  2. Firestarter #1 • What is the twofold task of spiritual formation? • Where does spiritual formation take place in your ministry setting? Note Wilhoit’s description on p38. • Name and describe the various terms related to “brokenness” in Chapter 3. How do these terms relate to spiritual formation? • How does one develop or cultivate openness to God, according to Wilhoit (82ff)? What is your response to his argument?

  3. False Models • Quick Fix – “God, just zap me!” • Leaves out the benefits of working with God along a journey of spirituality • Forgets that focused attention on the sources of what we do and why we do them brings about transformation • Neglects the disciplines associated with the “long look” • How would a congregation work to avoid buying into this model?

  4. Facts Only – “Just tell me what I need to know” • Assumes that discipleship is simply “picked up” • Forgets that although study is a discipline, it’s not the only discipline • Negates the importance of relationships for spiritual development • How does a congregation work to avoid development of this model?

  5. Emotional – “Give me a spiritual rush!” • Sees deep emotional or spiritual experience alone as the lynchpin for spiritual development • Assumes that change comes about through stirred emotions • Links emotions with positive feelings so practitioners are overwhelmed by suffering • How does a congregation work toward rethinking the importance of dependence on emotion alone?

  6. Conference – “Sign me up!” • Focuses on future development rather than past issues • Leads toward immature resolves • Becomes a spiritual “filling station” and a primary source of nurture and guidance • How should a congregation work to insure a balanced approach to the good teaching available through conferences and training events?

  7. Insight – “Open my eyes so I can see” • Supports a diseased introspection • Provides opportunity for preoccupation with one’s choices and their perceived consequences • Moves the focus from God’s grace and provision to behavioral choices and law • How could a congregation address the elevation of personal insight?

  8. Faith – “I surrender all . . . except that I’m not sure what that means” • Depends highly on God to do all the work since surrender has been offered • Promotes an overconfidence in one’s own ability to identify the parts of one’s life which lack faith and trust • How could a congregation recognize the importance of faith without separating faith from the two-way street of relationship?

  9. Firestarter #2 • Make a diagram similar to the figures on 107-111. Tell your story about “Letting the Cross Grow” in your life. • Discuss the “delicate balance” (117) between the individual aspects and the communal reality of the faith journey. What challenges do you encounter in achieving this delicate balance in your ministry or church experience?

  10. Spiral Curriculum • What is the essence of utilizing the principle of the “spiral curriculum”? • Revisiting topics and truths to work truth deeper into the fabric of life • For example, what has been your experience with these terms? • Pay attention • Work toward a balanced approach to spirituality • Find a place of calm

  11. Anointed Teaching • Along with careful curriculum development, anointed teaching is discerning in nature • God gives insight, power, and ability through the Holy Spirit . . . • So that the teacher may work beyond human effort • Spirit within – indwelling dimension • Spirit upon – supernatural anointing of God’s power • Spirit among – evident in the community

  12. Anointed teaching should be: • Cultivated through reliance upon the Spirit as evidenced through the • Making of disciples • Creating of space for God through solitude • Studying and meditating on Scripture • Fruit-bearing, which is primarily the fruit of love from a pure heart • Committed to intentional learning

  13. Firestarter #3 • How does “wholeness” relate to “holiness” (161)? • How does a pastor teach and preach in order to support responding? Where have your thoughts taken you as you have read 165ff?

  14. Characteristics of a Spiritual Community • Practice discernment • Regarding what we overhear about ourselves • Regarding keeping the commands of God • Regarding reflective living • Regarding clearness • Keep relational commitments • Practice compassionate service • Eliminate prejudice

  15. Engage emotionally – weep and rejoice • Live with integrity • Use money wisely • Handle conflicts well • Forgive • Worship meaningfully • Bear witness joyfully • Disciple

  16. Firestarter #4 • How does the author use “detachment” as a positive attribute? What other images might one use to describe the same thing? (195) • Briefly explain “the four ‘R’s” of spiritual formation. • What do you plan to do with new direction gained as a result of your interaction with the text and the experience of this focused course on Spiritual Formation in the Congregation?

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