Have a Blessed Easter!
Please enjoy an Easter greeting from the InFocus family to your family. May your holiday be blessed as you spend it with those you love!
https://www.greetingsisland.com/ecard/pyr3cogthpml
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Lent Challenge: 5 Questions to Make Holy Week More Inviting
Hard to believe that Holy week is just around the corner. What are you doing to lead people into their journey with Jesus? Below are 3 reflection questions to consider as you lead your people into Holy Week.
What is the significance of Holy Week?
I grew up in a home that valued following Jesus, and Holy Week was a part of our church practice. To be honest, when I was younger, I did not understand why we went to church on a Thursday, kind of understood Friday, and genuinely got the meaning of Easter. Reluctantly, I went to services, although I was not an active participant.
My earliest memories of Easter included Sunrise service (if we were super motivated). Instead of gathering at our campus for services, we traveled to a local high school football stadium where we combined the services into one big celebration. The worship director and his team pulled out all the stops; the pastor preached the gospel. The entire morning was intended for people to invite their friends and relatives with the hope that they might hear the gospel and respond. It is forever engraved in my memory.
If you grew up in a church environment, are leading in a liturgical congregational setting, or are educated in the rhythms of the church calendar – this will be boring and redundant. But if Holy Week is fuzzy in your mind or you are curious, hopefully this blog might fill in some gaps. Let’s get started!
Holy Week is the week beginning with the Sunday immediately leading up to Easter.
Day 1: Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday
Day 2: Jesus Clears the Temple on Monday
Day 3: Jesus Goes to the Mount of Olives on Tuesday
Day 4: Holy Wednesday
Day 5: Passover and Last Supper on Maundy Thursday
Day 6: Trial, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial on Good Friday
Day 7: Saturday in the Tomb
Why is this important?
Most churches in the West give their attention to Holy Week. In addition to Christmas, Easter is the prime weekend to invite people to a worship service. Many people who have never been to church are more likely to show up if invited by a trusting friend or relative; Easter still holds religious connotations in our culture.
Typically, as churches strive to be relevant to their constituents in the name of “effectiveness,” many have put Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services in the background. The reasons are many, varied, and rational. At the same time, the rhythms and traditions that are lost can hurt the next generation because these events are like muscles that, when under-utilized, atrophy! Memories are short-lived.
Back to the point. Easter is a wonderful time to invite people to church. Even if your church is not a classic seeker church, this time of the year is strategic for church attendance.
3 Questions To Consider When Preparing for Holy Week
- What practices can you introduce to your people?
- What tools are you putting in people’s hands to make invitations easy?
- What are you doing to imprint Jesus on the next generation?
- What are you doing to make services inviting for visitors to your church?
- How are you following up with people who come to your services?
Lent Challenge – Week 5 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
May I suggest you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
- Day 1 – The Cross (See poem below.)
- Day 2 Or Day 3 – Stations of the Cross
- Day 4 – John 13:1-38 Lord’s Supper
- Day 5 – John 19:28-42 Crucifixion
- Day 6 – Holy Saturday
- Day 7 – Resurrection Sunday
The Cross by Lois Cheney
I stand before the cross
And wonder.
I stand before the cross
And fear.
I kneel before the cross
And weep.
I pray before the cross
And rejoice
To know the cross
Is to know Christ.
To feel the cross
Is to feel Christ.
To gaze at the cross
Is to gaze at Christ.
To carry the cross
Is to be a Christian,
And not until then.
God, forgive me.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Lent Challenge: Test a Contemplative Practice – How to Capture Intrusive or Negative Thoughts
What is a contemplative practice?
Let’s begin with terminology. A contemplative is someone who intentionally sets time aside to be with God, engaging and listening to Him. A contemplative practice is a discipline, exercise, approach, or tool to engage and listen to God.
How are contemplative practices different from the way I read the Bible and pray – or other spiritual disciplines?
In my experience, the ”typical” approach to reading the Bible, etc, is to transform beliefs. And this is obviously very, very valuable.
Contemplative practices are focused on spiritual formation. Yes, these two worlds overlap, but they can also be very different. Spiritual formation results in a transformation in the mind, body, and soul. It is fair to think of the “typical evangelical” approach as a precursor to contemplative practices. Not better, but different.
Before I lose you, let’s distill this down to an essential practice of “capturing intrusive or negative thoughts” (II Corinthians 10:5; Ephesians 4:23-24; Col 3:9-11). When you study the Desert Fathers and consider the depth of wisdom they gleaned in their monastic practices, you will see a continuity between evangelicalism and contemplative practice. Skip to the bottom to learn how to Capture Intrusive or Negative thoughts.
The mind is the gateway to the heart. Reading scripture and prayer can be a wonderful gateway into contemplative practice. Read on to learn how to establish new rhythms for spiritual formation in your life.
Where do I start with contemplative practices?
Begin with where you are. But how do you know where you are? This is a legitimate question.
It is easy to get overwhelmed when you consider where to start. If you have tried to develop a new hobby, you can relate. Pick a hobby, any hobby. Let’s say you want to learn how to maintain your mountain bike. One of the first jobs you want to learn is how to clean and lube your chain. This is essential. Perhaps you watch a video or read a blog, and you learn what tools are needed. The essentials include a cleaning agent (like Simple Green), rags, and lubricant. Once you have what you need, you execute. You might feel like you don’t exactly know what you are doing, but you do your best.
- Spray the chain with a cleaning agent, wipe it down, and repeat a couple of times.
- Once it dries, you apply the lubricant on the chain one link at a time.
- Let it sit overnight.
- Wipe off before you ride.
- You are good to go.
With regular practice, you become more comfortable with the process. Repetition creates familiarity; familiarity breeds habits.
Contemplative practices work in a similar manner.
3 Lessons I’ve Learned About Engaging in Contemplative Practices
- Create the space in your schedule to be with God
Intent is key, and that means scheduling a designated time in your daily routine. Guard it with your heart and mind. It does not matter when, but find a time that works for you to be quiet and attentive.
- Do more with less
Start with a time limit, and stick to it. If it is 5 minutes, then consistently show up. Repetition is key. It is like going to the gym. For years, when we were raising our family, I dragged myself to the gym at 5 in the morning even when I was tired, had sick kids, or didn’t feel like going. That discipline has formed a habit that I can draw from today.
- Ask for help
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the willingness to seek help. Once I recognized my need for help, AND sought out people who had more experience,I was able to make progress. In my case, I was able to connect with a spiritual director. You might need a spiritual friend or listener. I discovered when I engaged in direction, that things changed quickly .
5 Steps to Capture Intrusive or Negative Thoughts
Designate a time, preferably first thing in the morning, to give your attention to God
Sit in silence for 5 minutes
Pray the Jesus Prayer (see below)
Capture intrusive or negative thoughts throughout the course of your day
Determine if you want to accept or reject the thought
Lent Challenge – Week 4 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
May I suggest you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
- Day 1 – Mark 15:33-36
- Day 2 – Isaiah 53:3-6
- Day 3 – Luke 23:44-46
- Day 4 – Review the past three days.
- Day 5 – John 19:30
- Day 6 – Luke 23:47-49
- Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
The invitation the Lord presents is to simply carve out time for Him. That is really the essence of spiritual formation. Intent!
The Jesus Prayer is a simple and memorable prayer to be present with Jesus that combines three Bible verses:
- Philippians 2:6–11 (verse 11: “Jesus Christ is Lord”)
- Luke 1:31–35 (verse 35: “Son of God”),
- Luke 18:9–14, in which the Pharisee demonstrates the improper way to pray (verse 11: “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican”), whereas the Publican prays correctly in humility (verse 13: “God be merciful to me a sinner”).
Photo by Jake Young on Unsplash
Lent Challenge: 7 Reasons to Engage in the Suffering of Jesus
Why would I want to suffer?
Great question!
The answer is – “You shouldn’t!” Unless you understand the “why?”
Below I attempt to explain the intent, desire, and purpose behind this week’s grace from the pen of St. Ignatius:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
Sitting in the uncomfortable posture of Jesus’ suffering is not life-giving; it is difficult to contemplate the period of time leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus suffered in his humanity. He prayed to His Father to “take this cup from me”, “being in anguish”, with “his sweat like drops of blood”, and then expressing disappointment with His disciples when they fell asleep (Luke 22:39-46).
We lean towards the last week of Christ: Maundy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, and finally Easter – because suffering is uncomfortable!.
3 problems when you skip through Holy Week and rush to Easter.
- Ignores Christ’s Humanity
It is a serious oversight when we see a film, read a passage, or are entertained by a dramatic portrayal of the suffering Christ because nothing can capture the true indignity, pain, and turmoil Christ experienced. This is one reason Lent is so valuable. It causes us to slow things down. Read scripture. Reflect. Pray. Imagine what it was like for Him over a prolonged period of time. Not a brief, momentary exposure of another’s interpretation.
- Overfocuses on Christ’s Divinity
Culturally it is comfortable to celebrate; it is uncomfortable to suffer. It is natural to gravitate to Easter. It is easier to follow the narrative leading to the resurrection; difficult to sit in the uncomfortable space of seeing Jesus tormented, tortured,and abused. But that is precisely the part of the gospel story that needs equal attention. The more we engage with His suffering, the more human Jesus becomes.
- Undervalues the Sacrifice Christ Made on Behalf of All Creation
When we grasp that Jesus was and is fully human, then we can appreciate His divinity differently. I read this line from a book recently entitled Gentle and Lowly by Dane Orland that caused me to stop and think:
“The Son of God clothed himself with humanity and will never unclothe himself”.
Jesus did not unclothe Himself after the resurrection. Orland further says:
“One implication of this truth of Christ’s permanent humanity is that when we see the feeling and passions and affections of the incarnate Christ toward sinners and sufferers as given to us in the four Gospels, we are seeing who Jesus is for us today.”
Jesus has not put His humanity aside, nor has He put His divinity aside; He knows your suffering, intimately.
7 Reasons to Engage in the Suffering of Jesus
It will expand your ability to understand Jesus’ divinity.
It will grow your capacity to empathize with people.
It will help you navigate the sense of feeling overwhelmed.
It will create greater openness to reach out for help.
It will allow you to see different sides of a problem you face.
It will allow you to see different sides of a problem other people face.
Lent Challenge – Week 3 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
May I suggest you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
- Day 1 – Matthew 27:32-44
- Day 2 – Luke 23:33-44
- Day 3 – Philippians 2:5-8
- Day 4 – Review the past three days.
- Day 5 – Luke 23:38-43
- Day 6 – John 19:25-27
- Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
10 Ways to Walk Through Lent
It’s not too late to take up a spiritual practice for Lent! Winfield Bevins has several ideas for how to make room in your life to grow closer to God in his article, including:
- Reflect on the Cross
- Pray Daily
- Read the Bible
- Give Up Something
- Start a Good Habit
- Give Your Time
- Keep a Journal
- Make Time for Your Family
- Give Your Money
- Forgive Others
The invitation the Lord presents is to simply carve out time for Him. That is really the essence of spiritual formation- being intentional. It is up to you to take the next step.
Photo by Nigel Cohen on Unsplash
Lent Challenge: 7 Benefits of Spiritual Discernment When Making Decisions
What’s the deal with the Ignatian Exercises?
Since the fall of 2020, I have been on a steep learning curve in spiritual formation. That is, I have intentionally engaged in the process of learning from the Desert Fathers, Mothers, and influential Jesus followers—ancient practices that have survived the crucible of time. Part of that journey has been engaging in the Ignatian Exercises with a spiritual director.
The purpose of the Ignatian Exercises is for spiritual discernment in making decisions.
Aren’t The Exercises outdated?
Though Ignatius lived over 470 years ago, his life and the spiritual insights he gained have stood the test of time. They have been critiqued, criticized, and discounted; however, they have been passed down through the generations. My experience is that this is a tool that has helped me engage in my spiritual formation, so I want to share it with you!
But I’ve heard they’re problematic…
You’re right, there are some things to consider:
- It’s a bit “old school”: Ignatius was a soldier, so his orientation to spirituality is coming from a male perspective and specifically from the view of a young man who was seriously injured in battle, convalescing, and reflecting on his life. During that time he read two influential books: Ludolph the Carthusian’s Life of Christ and Jacobus de Voragine’s The Book of the Lives of the Saints. If you would like more background on Ignatius, I recommend reading the brief biography of Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner.
- It has a Catholic vibe: Ignatius was Catholic, so there are references to saints and certain Catholic beliefs, but you can adapt it to your own faith journey. Think of it as using a framework that you personalize and adapt to evangelical theology.
- It’s structured: Some people find that too rigid, but let’s be honest, most of us could use a little more structure in our spiritual lives. It’s like having a map when you’re lost.
- It uses imagination: Yes, you’ll be asked to imagine scenes from the Bible or your own life. Some worry that this is dangerous, but when done in the context of scripture, it can be a powerful tool to connect with your faith.
Why is this helpful?
When making decisions, it is helpful to have a process that has a strong discernment component embedded in it to engage the mind and the soul. You are probably familiar with secular decision-making processes such as the decision-making tree, writing a list of pros vs. cons, or various prioritization exercises. I have discovered that when I only use my mind, I run the risk of missing out on other aspects God wants me to engage to gain the greatest benefit.
I wrote a blog entitled How to Make a Prayerful Decision that outlines the process I adapted, with the help of my spiritual director.
7 Benefits of Spiritual Discernment When Making Decisions
It helps you stay curious. Instead of thinking you know everything, you’re open to new ideas.
It helps you consider all your options. You don’t just jump at the first thing that comes to mind.
It helps you stay focused. You don’t get sidetracked by distractions.
It encourages you to ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone.
It helps you seek what’s truly best. Not just what’s easy or convenient.
It helps you stay humble. You remember that you’re not in control.
Lent Challenge – Week 3 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
May I suggest you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
- Day 1 – Matthew 26:57-68
- Day 2 – Matthew 26:69-75
- Day 3 – Luke 23:1-7
- Day 4 – Review the past three days.
- Day 5 – Luke 23:8-12
- Day 6 – Luke 23:13-25
- Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
The invitation the Lord presents is to simply carve out time for Him. That is really the essence of spiritual formation. Being intentional. It is up to you to take the next step.
Photo by Jens Lelie on Unsplash
Lent Challenge: Finding Spontaneity through Spiritual Disciplines
“Interestingly, by intentionally practicing spiritual disciplines, my relationship with Jesus has become more spontaneous.”
Dallas Willard
Sounds like an oxymoron!
Can you relate? The more you do a certain thing, the better you can respond in the moment. Especially through regular, disciplined practice.
For example, I ride mountain bikes. 30+ years ago when I first started riding, I learned the importance of looking forward vs. looking down, leaning into turns instead of slowing down, and the keys to good balance. Now I am much more able to remain in the moment, anticipate obstacles ahead, and leverage my momentum. The discipline of riding over 8,000 miles and climbing over 100,000 feet since 2016 (which is when I began logging miles on Strava) has contributed to my ability to become more agile, responsive, and spontaneous on the trails.
Practicing spiritual disciplines works in a similar manner. The more hours you put in, the more familiar you become to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit – until His voice becomes the dominant voice you hear, listen to, and obey. This is the goal of Christian spiritual formation.
At the bottom of this blog is a challenge for Week 2 of Lent!
Before you go there, let’s focus on three common disciplines during Lent:
- Sabbath Rest: Take time to disconnect and recharge.
- Silence: Find moments of quiet to listen to God.
- Fasting: Explore how less can lead to more.
What are the benefits?
- Sabbath Rest: You feel more alive.
- Silence: You will discover new opportunities to engage with Jesus throughout the day.
- Fasting: You will cleanse your body of impurities that clutter your heart and mind.
How does discipline lead to spontaneity?
Great question! Discipline feeds new habits. New habits feed new behaviors. New behaviors feed creative responses. Spiritual formation works the same way.
What difference does it make?
Another great question! I believe there is a correlation between spiritual formation and ministry fruit. The disciplines I have engaged with and practiced alongside my ministry development gives me the ability to discover creative solutions, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
What does that look like?
I have a project that I am working on with a team that involves a disciple-making and leader development process. We have clarified the vision of when we know we have been successful, then worked backwards, breaking down the problem into manageable pieces. Now that we have the manageable pieces, we can address each one, one-by-one, making adjustments as necessary.
Lent Challenge – Week 2 of Lent!
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection, I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The exercises have helped me and many, many others throughout church history to listen to and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit, especially when discerning direction.
I invite you to consider the “grace” (or “prayer of intent”) for this week:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
St. Ignatius (1491-1556)
Perhaps you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning next Monday:
- Day 1 – Matthew 26:36-41
- Day 2 – Luke 22: 39-44
- Day 3 – Matthew 26:47-54
- Day 4 – Review the past three days.
- Day 5 – Matthew 26:55-56
- Day 6 – John 18:12-27
- Day 7 – Review the past week.
* Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
The invitation the Lord presents to you, is unique to you. If you are reading this blog, chances are you are searching. Chances are you want a change. Chances are you are desiring a different outcome. If so, the Lord’s invitation might be for you to engage differently than you have in the past. Take courage! He desires more and more of you. He is not passively waiting; He desires to connect with you. He is urging you to take the next step.
Photo by Omar Gattis on Unsplash
3 Strategies to Engage in the Season of Lent
Think of Lent like a spiritual reset button; it’s a time to hit pause on the everyday busy-ness and focus on what really matters – your faith and getting closer to God.
We start Lent with a very special service: Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, the Body of Christ gathers to enter this time of devotion corporately. During the service, we look at our mortality and the consequences of our sins. Traditionally, in the Bible, times of penitence were marked by the wearing of sackcloth and ashes. At the Ash Wednesday service, the forehead of each believer is marked with ashes in the sign of the cross, and we are reminded through these ashes that we are “but dust and to dust we shall return” (Genesis 3:19). These are the very words God spoke to Adam and Eve after they committed the first sin in the garden of Eden and they remind us that we too have “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Adapted from The Liturgical Home: Lent by Ashley Tumlin Wallace
Ever feel like life is just too busy? Lent is a chance to slow down and breathe. It’s like a training period for our souls, helping us get stronger and more connected to Jesus.
Who do you need to engage in the season of Lent?
*Use this as a “personal guide” to engage others during Lent.
Let’s get ready! Think about these questions:
- What has been your experience with Lent in the past?
- What does this season mean to you?
- How can getting closer to Jesus help you be a better disciple? …a better leader?
Lent is also about doing stuff, not just thinking. So, ask yourself:
- Is there something in your life that you want to focus on?
- What’s something you could give up to help you focus? (It doesn’t have to be food! Maybe it’s screen time or complaining.)
- What’s one thing you can do to get closer to Jesus during Lent?
Lent isn’t a race! It’s more like a long walk. I’ll be sharing some thoughts each week to help us along the way, but you can totally make this journey your own.
This Lent, open your heart and slow down! Like Elizabeth Barrett Browning famously said, “Earth’s crammed with heaven.” We have to open our eyes to see it! Make this Lent meaningful!
3 Strategies to Make Lent Significant:
- Share your Lent goals with each other!
- Check out relevant resources like devotionals, prayer guides, and fasting tips.
- Get together for prayer or reflection.
I’ll share my own journey too, so we can all learn together.
As we journey through the weeks leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and eventual resurrection. I will draw from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (1491-1556). Don’t worry, it’s not just about what happened a long time ago. You’ll find stuff in there that helps you be a better disciple and more effective leader – and how to help others follow Jesus, build meaningful relationships, and grow their faith.
My initial impression of the Spiritual Exercises is that there are a lot of moving parts:
- There are four “weeks” (not a literal week but a period of time)
- Each “week” is broken down into sections.
- Each section is broken down into days (numbers 1-7)
The exercises were designed to be done in a retreat setting over 30 consecutive days with a listener, who would listen to the ponderings of the retreatant. As time went on, the number of retreatants outnumbered the number of available listeners, so now there exist variations. For example, one iteration is the 19th Annotation, which can be done at a more comfortable pace, on a flexible schedule to accommodate people’s lives that are not in full-time vocational ministry.
My point for mentioning this is that, at the beginning of each section, a “grace” (or in my plain interpretation – a prayer of intent) is introduced or emphasized. The “grace” is a guiding prayer that serves as a backdrop for the daily exercise. Here is the “grace” for the first week of Lent:
“The grace you are seeking is to sorrow with Christ in sorrow, anguish with Christ in anguish, with tears and interior suffering because of the suffering Christ endured for you.”
Try this during Lent!
Perhaps you read through the following passages on this schedule beginning on Ash Wednesday or the following Monday:
- Day 1 – II Cor 5:21
- Day 2 – John 13:1
- Day 3 – John 13: 2-12
- Day 4 – Review the past three days.
- Day 5 – Matthew 26:20-30
- Day 6 – Matthew 26:31-35
- Day 7 – Review the past three days.
Journey with Jesus by Larry Warner
What to do with the “grace”?
- Use the “grace” as a point of reflection.
- Engage in prayer.
- Recall it throughout your day.
One of the practices that Ignatian introduced was the Prayer of Examen. There are lots of ways to do a Prayer of Examen. I would suggest that you set aside time (morning-noon-night) and reflect on the following:
- How did you recall the grace?
- How did this play out in the way you treated people?
- How did you die to yourself today?
Or come up with an activity of your own.
You will find yourself slowing down. Discovering new insights. Creating new rhythms to your daily routine. Most of all, my prayer is that you fall more and more in love with Jesus as you journey with Him.
Photo by Kevin Turcios on Unsplash
Embracing the Inward Journey: Are You Maturing Spiritually?
The question of spiritual maturity can feel daunting. We often default to measuring outward behaviors, creating checklists of “good Christian” actions. But true spiritual formation, the ongoing deepening of our relationship with Jesus, is a far more nuanced and internal process. It’s less about ticking boxes, and more about a quiet transformation of the heart.
Think of Jesus’ own journey: from boyhood to adult, ministry maturing, culminating in the profound shift of his final weeks. This wasn’t just a change in outward activity, but a deep inner reshaping. Throughout history, mystics and theologians—from Teresa of Avila with “The Four Waters” and “The Interior Castle” motifs, St. John of the Cross’ stages of spiritual development to contemporary thinkers like Ruth Haley Barton and Dallas Willard—have attempted to articulate this often-ineffable process. They offer glimpses into the spiritual shifts that occur as we grow in Christ.
One helpful lens for understanding this growth is the movement from a more expressive to a more contemplative spirituality. It’s important to emphasize that neither is “better” or a definitive marker of maturity. They are simply different facets of a deepening relationship with God. The journey isn’t linear, and we may experience both aspects at different times.
Expressive Spirituality: This is the vibrant outpouring of faith. It’s the joy that bursts into song, the awe that lifts hands in worship, the grief that cries out in lament. It’s often communal, fueled by shared emotion and outward action. Many churches excel in fostering this expressive dimension, creating spaces for passionate worship and vibrant fellowship.
Contemplative Spirituality: This is the quiet work of inner transformation. It’s the still, small voice that whispers in the silence, the yearning for deeper connection that drives us to prayer and reflection. It’s the process of surrendering our will, letting go of ego, and cultivating virtues like humility and compassion. It’s not about withdrawing from the world, but about deepening our connection with God so that our outward actions flow from a place of inner peace and love.
The Shift: As we mature spiritually, we often see a natural movement towards a more contemplative approach. This doesn’t mean abandoning the joy and passion of expressive worship. Instead, it means that our outward expressions become rooted in a deeper, more profound inner life. It’s like the difference between a fire that blazes brightly and a steady, glowing ember that warms from within.
How to make the shifts to a more Contemplative Spirituality:
The paths to a more contemplative spirituality are unlimited. But there are three themes that I have experienced, observed, and learned from the pioneers that have gone before us. They are not principles but tend to be common traits of contemplatives.
- Person
Someone who you have a relationship with who is an effective listener to hear your insights about your formation, a spiritual friend, or spiritual director.
- Place
A sacred place, a park, or retreat center where you are far from distraction so that you can hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
- People
Doing life in community with others moving in a similar direction where you can join in the daily rhythms of work, play, and spiritual practices.
Nurturing Your Contemplative Side:
There’s no single path to contemplative spirituality, but three common themes often emerge:
- Person: Having a trusted companion – a spiritual friend, mentor, or director – who listens deeply and reflects back your own insights about your spiritual formation.
- Place: Finding a sacred space, whether it’s a quiet park, a peaceful retreat center, monastery, or even a corner in your home, where you can minimize distractions and listen for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.
- People: Connecting with others on a similar journey, sharing life in community, and participating in the rhythms of work, play, and spiritual practices together.
Are You Drawn to Contemplative Spirituality?
The following questions are designed to help you discern if you’re experiencing this shift. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. This is simply a tool for self-reflection. Use the scale from 1 (None) to 5 (Always) to rate yourself.
- How engaged are you in a relationship with a listener, spiritual friend or, under direction?
- How excited do you feel about a personal spiritual retreat?
- How regularly do you connect with others who are on the journey with you?
(Add up all the column scores and divide by 3) AGGREGATE SCORE
A higher score may suggest a leaning towards contemplative spirituality. However, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Spiritual maturity isn’t about achieving a certain score or fitting into a specific category. It’s about the ongoing journey of surrendering to God’s love and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. It’s about embracing both the expressive and contemplative dimensions of faith, allowing them to inform and enrich one another.
This journey is deeply personal and often difficult to articulate. That’s why the wisdom of those who have walked this path before us—the mystics, the theologians, the spiritual guides—is so invaluable. They offer us language and frameworks for understanding the mysterious and beautiful work of spiritual formation.
Mentoring for Coach Certification:
Having journeyed through the three levels of coach certification with the International Coach Federation (ICF) over 13 years (2007-2020), I understand the power of mentorship. The 10 hours of mentoring required for each level were transformative for me. Having a trained assessor provide feedback, create awareness, and introduce new ways of engaging was a game-changer!
To maintain my Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential, I recently completed 40 hours of coach assessor training (Continuing Coach Education Units or CCEUs). This allows me to mentor other coaches and assess their coaching competency. My extensive work with Bob Logan researching and developing world-class Christian coaches gives me a unique perspective, blending the best of both worlds. (Check out our resources HERE).
Whether working one-on-one or in a cohort, I come alongside coaches to help them reach the next level of certification or simply improve their coaching skills. If you’re interested in exploring coach certification with ICF or enhancing your coaching, I’d love to connect.
Schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org), to discuss how we can partner together in 2025 to cultivate your coaching effectiveness!
Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
The Painful Purge: Why Curating Your Library is a Spiritual Discipline
This is a risky exercise. I know I’ll inevitably leave out some truly important names. Several years ago, I faced a daunting task: curating my overflowing library. I aimed to distill the books that truly mattered, ruthlessly reducing my collection by 80%. The idea was simple: keep the essentials, digitize the maybes, and reclaim precious shelf space. But the execution? Painful. Nights were spent agonizing over decisions, stress gnawed at me, but I persevered. I got it done.
My initial reflections on this process are below. But first, let’s explore why curating your library—in the truest sense of the word—is so vital.
What does it mean to curate a library?
In this context, “curate” means more than just organizing shelves; it’s about intentionally selecting, organizing, and caring for the authors and books that have profoundly influenced you. It’s about recognizing the power of the written word to shape your soul. Think of the original meaning of someone who “curates”: a person entrusted with the care of souls. That’s the spirit we’re aiming for here.
Why is this so important?
What you read reveals who you are and who you are becoming. It’s a mirror reflecting your inner life. We could preach a sermon on this! How do you spend your time? Who forms your inner circle? Tell me what you read. These questions are inextricably linked.
Curating your library allows you to:
- Dig a deep reservoir of knowledge: Information overload is a modern plague. We can’t possibly keep up with the daily deluge of content, but we can cultivate depth. Focus on the topics that resonate with your soul and foster your leadership vision, guided by the Holy Spirit, and immerse yourself in the wisdom of those who have gone before. This focused reading builds a deep well of understanding you can draw from for years to come.
- Pass on wisdom to others: Leaders are constantly challenged to stay informed, to be conversant on a wide range of subjects, to have the right answers. Knowing which authors to read, which voices to heed, is crucial for empowering those you lead. Your curated library becomes a resource for their growth as well.
A Reflection Exercise:
Consider your faith journey. Which authors have had the greatest impact on you? The Bible, of course, tops the list. But beyond Scripture, which books have shaped your character, influenced your discipleship, impacted you theologically, motivated you missionally, expanded your leadership, challenged your assumptions, or simply blessed your soul?
These reflection questions are designed to spark your memory: Who has God used to…
- …shape your character?
- …influence your discipleship?
- …impact you theologically?
- …motivate you missionally?
- …expand your leadership?
- …challenge you?
- …bless you?
This list is just a starting point. Answer each question individually, brainstorm a list of names, or find your own way to reflect. The important thing is to give this process the careful consideration it deserves.
Some of my touchstones:
- Life Together – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert Coleman
- The Coming Church Revolution – Carl George
- Organic Church – Neil Cole
- As You Go…Make Disciples – Colin Noyes
How to Curate Your Library:
- Reflect: Identify the authors who have profoundly impacted you and your ministry.
- Narrow: From that list, select the books you truly need to keep on your shelf. These are the works you return to again and again.
- Box it up: Pack the remaining books into boxes.
- The Year of Testing: For the next year, mark which books you pull from the boxes and which remain untouched.
- The Great Cull: At the end of the year, make the necessary changes. Donate the unused books to a deserving emerging leader.
Mentoring for Coach Certification:
Over 13 years (2007-2020) and three levels of certification with the International Coach Federation (ICF), I discovered the power of mentorship. The required 10 hours of mentor coaching for each level (Associate, Professional, and Master) were transformative. Feedback, awareness, and new perspectives were game-changers.
To maintain my Master certification, I recently completed 40 hours of coach assessor training (Continuing Coach Education Units or CCEUs). This allows me to mentor other coaches and assess their competencies. My extensive work with Bob Logan researching and developing world-class Christian coaches adds another dimension to my mentoring. (You can find our resources here: CLICK HERE).
Whether you’re pursuing ICF certification or simply seeking to refine your coaching skills, I offer one-on-one and cohort mentoring. If you’re interested in exploring how we can cultivate your coaching effectiveness in 2025, schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@infocusnet.org). Let’s work together to unlock your full potential as a coach.
Look for a new resource to equip coach mentors to guide coaches through their Journey of Ongoing Growth later this year!
Who Are the Five People You’ve Never Met who Have Had the Biggest Impact on your Faith and Leadership Journey?
Some of the people God has used in my journey have provided keen awareness of God’s activity in my life. We have never met in person, but they have influenced me through their books, teachings, videos, etc. One writer, who is currently sitting in that space in my life, has helped me on my journey to create new spiritual rhythms in the midst of launching our adult children into their chosen fields, helping sort through health issues with various family members, and exploring new ministry opportunities internationally.
The writings of St. Ignatius have been the instrument God has used for this purpose. I will never meet him, this side of heaven, however, his writings from the 1500s have put light on my path and many, many others who are looking to deepen their understanding of God’s activity in life.
A note about the Ignatian Exercises: you should not attempt to go it alone! In the development of the exercises, Ignatius encouraged the vital role of a “listener” to help the participant discern the voices we hear and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to navigate the process of spiritual formation
I wrote a blog entitled How to Make a Prayerful Decision, where I summarize the decision-making process St. Ignatius introduced. This process can change the focus and intent when discerning God’s will in a matter. When I used it as part of a weekend planning conversation with a regional, denominational team, it helped participants come to a God-honoring decision regarding the future leadership structure.
God has used many authors and teachers to help me sharpen my coaching skills. One of those voices he has used is Michael Bunjay Steiner, author of “The Coaching Habit.” I referenced him in a blog entitled: What Is the Best Way to Turn a Corner? Of all the books I’ve read on coaching, this is the best secular book I have come across as I’ve progressed through my coach certification with the International Coach Federation (see bottom of blog for more). His simple approach boiled the coaching conversation down to these four questions:
- What’s on your mind?
- What’s the real challenge for you?
- What do you want?
- How can I help?
In addition, throughout the certification process I learned from dozens of international practitioners who are thought leaders in the international coaching community.
These are just two people who have influenced me in my personal and ministry journey.
Who has influenced you?
Expanding on the Types of Influence:
- Books and Writings: These offer a unique window into another person’s thoughts and experiences. They can provide new perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and offer practical guidance. The written word transcends time and space, allowing us to connect with individuals from centuries past, like St. Ignatius, whose wisdom remains relevant today. Beyond the content itself, the act of reading engages our minds and encourages reflection, further deepening the impact.
- Teachings (Formal and Informal): Teachers, whether in a formal setting or through recorded lectures and videos, distill complex ideas into digestible formats. They often provide frameworks for understanding difficult concepts and inspire us to learn more. Michael Bunjay Steiner is one such teacher God has used in my development as a coach.
- Shared Experiences and Stories: Hearing about the lives of others, their struggles, and their triumphs, can be incredibly impactful. These stories offer vicarious learning experiences, allowing us to glean wisdom from others’ journeys without having to walk the same path ourselves. Biographies, documentaries, and autobiographies provide these valuable insights.
- Personal Conversations: Direct interaction, even if brief, can leave a lasting impression. A single conversation can spark a new idea, offer encouragement, or challenge a long-held belief. The personal connection creates a different level of engagement and can be particularly powerful.
The Impact of These Influences:
- God’s Faithfulness: Recognizing the diverse ways God works through others reinforces His faithfulness. It reminds us that He is constantly present and actively involved in our lives, even through seemingly ordinary encounters.
- Diversity of Gifts: The variety of individuals who influence us highlights the richness and diversity of God’s gifts. Each person brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences to the table, enriching our understanding of the world and ourselves.
- Lineage of Faithful Servants: Connecting with the wisdom of those who have come before us creates a sense of continuity and belonging. It reminds us that we are part of a larger story, a lineage of faith that stretches back through generations.
- Spiritual Direction and Growth: As I mentioned, the influence of figures like St. Ignatius can provide profound spiritual direction. Their writings and teachings can offer guidance in prayer, discernment, and the development of spiritual practices. The Ignatian Exercises, with their emphasis on guided reflection, exemplify the importance of having a “listener” or spiritual director to help navigate the journey. This highlights the value of seeking counsel and guidance from others as we grow in our faith.
Reflecting on Your Own Influences:
It’s a valuable exercise to regularly reflect on the people who have influenced you. Consider:
- Who are the individuals whose words or actions have resonated most deeply with you?
- What specific lessons have you learned from them?
- How have these influences shaped your beliefs, values, and actions?
- How can you continue to learn from these individuals, even if you can’t interact with them directly?
By consciously acknowledging the impact of these “multitude of voices,” we can gain a deeper appreciation for God’s work in our lives and continue to grow in wisdom and understanding.
MENTORING FOR COACH CERTIFICATION
Over the 13 years (2007-2020) it took to move through the three levels of coach certification with the International Coach Certification (ICF) I learned a lot. One of the requirements to attain the initial certification for the Associate Certified coach, advance from the Associate to the Professional, and from the professional to Master – is 10 hours of coach mentoring. This was the most impactful aspect of the certification process for me. Having a trained assessor provide feedback, create awareness, and introduce new ways to engage was a game changer!
In this last cycle, to maintain my Master certification (that is me in the photo at the top), I went through 40 hours of coach assessor training (called Continuing Coach Education Units or CCEUs) so that I can come alongside other coaches as a mentor to assess their coaching competency. The extensive work I’ve done with my colleague, Bob Logan, to research and develop world-class Christian coaches, gives me the added advantage of bringing those two worlds together. Here are the resources we developed to equip leaders in coaching – CLICK HERE. Whether working one-to-one or in a cohort, I come alongside coaches to attain the next level of certification or simply improve their coaching. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a certified coach with ICF or improving your coaching, I invite you to explore a coach mentoring relationship with me.
Please schedule a free discovery call with my assistant, Samantha (admin@inforcusnet.org), to explore how we can work together to cultivate your coaching effectiveness in 2025!
