Urban Mystic

In this week's episode we explore Brother Lawrence and The Practice of the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence epitomizes the intimacy with God that Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross sought for themselves and others. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is available in plain English for the contemporary reader in print and ebook.

In this week's episode we explore John of the Cross and engage some of her thinking. John is among the great mystics who value intimacy with God. Steve and Tim discuss the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit in the context of spiritual maturation and the attainment of authentic intimacy with God. From The Dark Night on the the dark night of the senses and dark night of the spirit, by John of the Cross. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

In this week's episode we explore Teresa of Avila and engage some of her thinking. Teresa is among the great mystics who value intimacy with God. Steve and Tim discuss spiritual growth, intimacy with God, and the role of mysticism in spirituality, drawing from the teachings of Teresa of Avila. They explore the ‘Interior Castle' metaphor and the importance of personal experience in spiritual development. Here's the key quote from the episode: "It is as if the soul were a garden in which the Lord Himself delights to walk, and He enters it not by steps, but at a single bound, and takes possession of the will, which is the gate by which He enters. And how He enters, I cannot explain. But the soul is very well aware of His presence. It is not a vision; there is neither image nor form. But the soul feels Him so clearly that it cannot possibly doubt that He is there. It is a presence so certain that it is impossible to describe it in words." From The Interior Castle on the Fourth Mansion, by Teresa of Avila. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

This conversation delves into the complexities of intimacy in relationships, both human and divine. The speakers explore how genuine intimacy requires effort and presence from both parties, emphasizing the importance of being fully engaged in the moment. They discuss the challenges of maintaining intimacy, the significance of recognizing absence, and the pursuit of a deeper connection with God. The dialogue also touches on the nuances of spiritual practices and the need for a relational approach to spirituality, moving beyond mere transactional interactions to foster genuine connection. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Thank you for all the listens, encouragements, and support for the Podcast of the Urban Mystic. This is just a short year-end message to say thank you and let you know that we're taking a short break. We'll be back early in the new year. Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and peace to all. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

In this thought-provoking episode of The Urban Mystic, we explore the journey from a surface-level relationship with God to a profound, authentic connection characterized by honesty and self-awareness. The episode delves into the challenges of maintaining an authentic relationship with oneself, others, and God within the often performative context of religious environments. Our host shares personal experiences of confronting the discomfort of church practices that prioritize appearances over genuine emotional expression. This leads to a deeper discussion on the importance of vulnerability, self-reflection, and the courage to break through the facade of perfectionism. Listeners are invited to consider the impact of externalizing emotions and the potential for growth when one turns inward to understand personal anger, sadness, and the desire for authenticity. The episode also highlights the importance of acknowledging God's presence—or lack thereof—in a real and tangible way, moving beyond faith-based assertions to a more experiential understanding of spirituality. Join us on this journey of introspection and discover how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more fulfilling spiritual life, where honesty and authenticity become the foundation of our relationships with ourselves, others, and the divine. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Welcome to the podcast of The Urban Mystic, a show dedicated to helping individuals understand and develop a practice of the presence of God. Our mission is to shift relationships from faith and distance to deep, nurturing, and fulfilling connections characterized by mutual desire and closeness. This podcast is for anyone seeking an intimate relationship with God, whether you're a church-goer, church leader, volunteer, or someone who considers themselves spiritual but not religious. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of creating authentic intimacy with God and ourselves. Starting with a humorous reflection on the superficiality often found in religious practices, we explore the deeper, more meaningful ways to connect. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful dialogue, we discuss the importance of mindfulness, emotional awareness, and the willingness to face our inner selves. We examine the challenges of recognizing God's presence, the necessity of being attuned to our own emotions, and the transformative power of genuine self-awareness. This conversation invites listeners to embrace the uncertainties of their spiritual journey, encouraging a practice of radical hospitality towards oneself and the divine. If you enjoy this episode, we invite you to like the episode and leave a comment, to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider, and to contribute to the work of The Urban Mystic by following the link to PayPal in the show notes or the QR code on our website. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

In this episode, we delve into the intricate concept of practicing presence, particularly focusing on the presence of God. We explore the multiple dimensions of practice, including intention and awareness, and how these elements can enhance our spiritual lives. Our conversation touches on the importance of being present to oneself, to others, and to God, drawing parallels to human relationships and the complexity involved in truly connecting. We discuss the different models of spirituality—faith, mystery, and a proposed third model that emphasizes a more intimate, relational approach. Through personal anecdotes and reflective dialogues, we unpack the nuances of discerning God's tangible presence and the challenges that come with it. This episode encourages listeners to engage in a practice that is both deeply personal and relational, aiming to cultivate a genuine connection with the divine. Join us as we navigate the journey of spiritual practice, balancing the simplicity and complexity of being present in our relationships with ourselves, others, and God.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of spiritual practice and the pursuit of genuine relational presence with God, others, and ourselves. We explore the nuances of attending a Quaker meeting and the significance of waiting on God in silence. This leads to a broader discussion about the challenges of differentiating between authentic spiritual experiences and those shaped by expectations and social environments. The conversation also touches on the difficulties of achieving deep relational connections in large groups versus smaller, more intimate settings. We discuss the importance of personal spiritual practices, the struggle to maintain them, and the transformative potential of truly encountering oneself and God in solitude. Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of spirituality, examining how our paradigms and practices shape our experiences and understanding of divine presence. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Welcome to a milestone episode of our podcast, where we celebrate our 100th episode! Join us as we reflect on the journey we've undertaken to help listeners develop a practice of the presence of God, transforming relationships characterized by faith and distance into ones marked by deep, nurturing, and fulfilling closeness. In this special episode, we reminisce about the genesis of the podcast, the challenges we've faced, and the personal growth we've experienced. We discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and mutual respect in building not just a podcast but a deep friendship. You'll hear about our struggles, triumphs, and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Welcome to The Urban Mystic, a podcast dedicated to helping you develop a practice of the presence of God. This episode dives deep into the journey of transitioning from a faith characterised by distance to one filled with mutual desire and closeness with God. Join us as we explore the dynamics of experiencing God's tangible presence in public gatherings and how to carry that profound experience into your personal, one-on-one relationship with God. We'll discuss the challenges, the process of learning to trust your intuition, and the distinction between human intuition and divine communication. Whether you're a church-goer, church leader, volunteer, or someone who considers themselves spiritual but not religious, this episode offers valuable insights into cultivating an intimate and fulfilling relationship with God. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Rediscover the Intimacy of Faith on Urban Mystic This week on Urban Mystic, we embark on a profound exploration: rekindling a close relationship with the divine. We'll delve into the practice of cultivating God's presence, guiding listeners from a distant faith to a connection marked by mutual desire and closeness. Our host Steve bravely shares their personal journey, including the vulnerabilities of carving out dedicated time for connection with God. Through this raw conversation, we'll explore the intricacies of faith, the challenges of guilt, and the yearning for a deeper spiritual life. Whether you're a churchgoer, a spiritual leader, or simply someone seeking a nurturing connection with the divine, this episode offers invaluable insights. We'll discuss the challenges and revelations of seeking God's presence in our busy modern world. Join the Conversation! Like this episode? Leave a comment and subscribe on your favorite platform! You can also support Urban Mystic's work by following the link in the show notes or QR code on our website. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Dive deep into the transformative power of personal relationships with God on this episode of Urban Mystic. We'll explore the nuanced difference between personifying and anthropomorphising the divine, and how your own experiences shape your understanding of God's character. "A deep dive into personhood and faith" unpacks the complexities of God's personhood and how our interactions with the divine influence our faith. We'll move beyond traditional religious activities to explore the power of intimate encounters with God. Discover how firsthand experiences with the divine can transform your spiritual understanding. Learn why personal encounters are so crucial to many faith systems, and the importance of cultivating your own unique connection with God. This episode is an invitation to embrace your personal journey. We'll encourage you to: Own your experiences: Recognise the value of your unique relationship with God, yourself, and others. Discern your language: Explore how word choices can impact your spiritual growth. Break free from limitations: Reject restrictive religious impositions and embrace the full potential of your personhood. Join us on this contemplative exploration of the profound mystery that connects humanity to the divine. Trust your experiences, cultivate meaningful connections, and evolve your spiritual journey with Urban Mystic. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Is God a helicopter parent? Rethinking Control in Your Faith This episode explores the surprising link between control, faith, and healthy relationships. We challenge the idea of a controlling God and unpack the power of self-control. You'll discover: How control shows up (and hides) in your spiritual life The surprising benefits of letting go (a little) Why self-control fuels deeper connections with God and others This episode is for: Everyone seeking a more fulfilling faith journey Those questioning the role of control in their relationships Anyone who wants to ditch the struggle and embrace healthy growth Tune in and learn how self-control can transform your relationship with God, yourself, and your community. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Embrace the Transformation: Join us as we guide you on a path of self-discovery, encouraging you to embrace vulnerability for profound healing. We explore the parable of the two sons, reflecting our spiritual search for connection with the divine. Through this journey, cultivate a sense of being loved, accepted, and valued. Discover how "mirror work" and authentic engagement with the divine can lead to spiritual metamorphosis. Listen and unlock the potential for a deeper connection with yourself and God! Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Embark on a transformative exploration of intimacy with the Urban Mystic podcast. This episode, "Exploring Intimacy: A Journey to Self, Others, and the Divine," dives deep into the profound impact of healthy connections on our lives. We'll explore: The ripple effects of attachment disorders and how they can hinder our ability to connect. The universal human need for love and belonging, regardless of faith or background. How our sense of self-worth and experiences with rejection shape our relationships. The importance of self-awareness and healing to cultivate stronger bonds. Misconceptions within spiritual beliefs that can limit connection. Discover how to foster deeper connections: Learn how conscious choices and self-care pave the way for healthier relationships. Explore the importance of balanced communication and reciprocity. Delve into the concept of prayer as a form of intimacy with the divine. Gain insights from personal stories and expert guests on the path to self-discovery and stronger connections. Join us on the Urban Mystic podcast and embark on a journey of profound personal growth. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Embracing Change: Faith, Loss, and the Path to Deeper Connection This episode of The Urban Mystic explores the powerful intersection of faith, church, and personal loss. We'll delve into how our experiences with religious institutions shape us, and guide you through the process of renegotiating your spiritual boundaries. Prepare to explore the emotional complexities of navigating a deeper connection with the divine, drawing from personal stories that unveil profound spiritual sentiments. We'll discuss how severing ties with traditional structures can impact your relationship with yourself, God, and your community. Throughout the episode, we'll acknowledge the stages of grief that often arise during this journey – feelings of sadness, anger, denial, and bargaining – mirroring the loss of a loved one. We'll approach the Scriptures with open hearts, acknowledging their potential as both sanctuary and source of conflict. This episode encourages introspection. Reflect on your own spiritual path, and explore the possibility of an intimate connection with God that transcends traditional contexts. Join us as we navigate the "ocean of change" with compassion and vulnerability. We'll explore the complexities of reshaping your faith while navigating loss, adaptation, and the search for a new sense of belonging. Prepare for a transformative dialogue that emphasizes the power of grief in our spiritual evolution. We'll discuss how grief's unique timeline can shape our perception of self, others, and the divine. We'll delve into its regenerative power, a catalyst for growth leading to acceptance and profound change. Tune in to this heartfelt conversation and embark on your own journey with renewed clarity and a sense of hope. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

In this episode of The Urban Mystic, we explore the often-complicated dynamics of 'church' and 'parachurch'. Engage with us in an insightful discourse as we shift focus from mere institutionalized church functions to the essence of its existence – the people. Discover how terms like 'church' and 'parachurch' have evolved over time, resulting in a complex tapestry of power dynamics and politics. We grapple with the conception of the church being purely a physical institution and highlight the importance of understanding its various functions and activities that fall under the term 'parachurch'. Immerse in spirited discussions around accountability, diversity, and identity within the church and join us as we reimagine a structure that roots its primary accountability in people. Participate in our exploration of societal and cultural evolutions, and their implications. Learn more about bureaucracy's stifling nature and how it appears not only in worldwide governments but also within church institutions. Delve into the concept of 'parachurch' and discover how it can effectively foster divine connections, particularly when traditional frameworks fail to evolve or adapt. Dare to question your perspectives regarding the current structures of church and engage in the possibility of your discomfort providing an avenue for introspection and thus, transformation. Unearth the potential to disrupt unwholesome dynamics, transform relationships, and instigate meaningful change by understanding the true nature of these structures as merely facilitative to a higher purpose. We invite you to explore how shifting focus onto tangible encounters with the divine and a deeper connection with God can foster genuine intimacy and dismantle unhealthy dynamics within institutionalized concepts of faith. Embark on a transformative journey with us and redefine your understanding of the dynamics of church and parachurch, fostering transformative engagement with God and each other. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal

Unveil the Mysteries Within: An Exploration of the Paradox of Mystery and Knowing Embark on a transformative journey in this episode of The Urban Mystic. We delve into the profound connections between consciousness, intimacy, spirituality, and self-discovery. Key themes we'll explore: The Divine Spark: Uncover the path to a deeper connection with the divine, navigating the nuances of religion, spirituality, and mysticism. Urban Spirituality: Discover how to integrate spiritual practices into your modern life without sacrificing your relationships or career. The Paradox of Intimacy: Explore the seemingly contradictory journey of uncovering intimacy through acknowledging the mysteries of ourselves and the universe. Relationship Architects: Learn from renowned experts like Esther Perel, Carl Jung, and Brené Brown as we navigate the complexities of connection. The Power of Narrative: Discover how personal stories shape our perception and relationships. Cultivate kindness, flexibility, and curiosity for deeper connections and self-growth. The Hero's Journey Within: Begin your adventure of self-discovery. Learn to forge authentic narratives that reflect your true essence. Love's Many Forms: Dive into the intertwining of human and divine love. Explore the spiritual dimension of relationships through scriptures. Emotional Intelligence: Address personal struggles with emotions and their impact on forming close bonds. Begin your journey to more fulfilling intimacy. The Tapestry of Consciousness: Gain a deeper understanding of consciousness and its influence on our connections. Explore the impact of our presence and the significance of "falling off" moments. Personal Encounters with the Divine: Hear firsthand accounts of experiencing the divine as a catalyst for personal transformation. Don't miss this enlightening exploration!  Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

This episode is Part Three in our exploration of Ministry Time and brings us to the end of Season 5. Here we recognise the contribution of the Vineyard to Evangelism and the Altar Call bracket following the message in church. Yet we also acknowledge that this deconstruction of Evangelism does not go deep enough, it does not bring a focus on the numinous, on the manifest presence of God, into our culture of doing church or practicing spirituality. We'd like to thank everyone who currently supports the Urban Mystic. We don't charge for anything we do or put oursleves and our material behind a paywall. We are in need of more financial supporters to continue this work and would appreciate once off and regular contributions. To contribute please follow the PayPal link in the shownotes. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this episode we recognise that the values, priorities and practices of our ‘doing church paradigm' makes worship and the message central, with the latter the primary event. This is so for those who lead churches and the congregations. Yet there's the possibility of a constellational paradigm where intimacy with God stands as primary and indispensible. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this week's episode we begin a conversation about "Ministry Time". Given the recent release of The Jesus Revolution and the Asbury Revival the reality is that revival movements don't last. There's also a mix between wanting something similar in our own lives or churches and many different dynamics in terms of how this plays out. A model of ministry such as the one developed within the Vineyard Movement and likewise found in the New Wine Movement and The Alpha Course enables a healthy, balanced, and practical approach to the dynamic participation of God in gatherings. Are revivals such as this the best we can hope for an experience and about doing church? Or are they a personal introduction of God to people and therewith a point of departure for a spirituality centred on the presence of God? Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal     

In this week's episode we consider a three story apartment as an analogy for understanding the general presence of God in contrast with relational engagement with God. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this week's episode we consider the relationship we have to theology as a stand-in for a relationship with God. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In last week's episode we reflected on The Alpha Course and the kinds of tensions and sub-cultures that can emerge between those running Alpha and the host church. This is a tension between the regular experience of Church and the kinds of experience expected on The Alpha Course. In this week's episode I get to speak to Lehlohonolo Lepele and explore how they've evolved The Alpha Course to avoid such sub-cultures and tensions in their church. It's a clear example of how one can solve it without sufficiently addressing the question of intimacy with God. Yet it's also a window into how others are thinking about integrating the course in the broad tapestry of African spirituality and the South African context. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

When considering the language of values, priorities, and practices we can see the disconnect between our values and our practices. Many value relating to God and yet this is often not what's practiced. In this episode we reflect on the practice of the presence of God in the context of churches hosting the The Alpha Course. Here sub-cultures emerge around the experience of God and the place thereof in church and spirituality. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In seeking to establish a Relational Spirituality on the foundation of our value for intimacy with God several things come into focus. Here there's an interplay between the Personhood of God of a God understood as transcendent, understood as universal cosmic presence, and understood to draw near in Person. In this episode we dive into the false binary between God being confined as a religious offering and God as a universal and cosmic presence we're never separate from. We propose that this is a false binary as neither pole has reciprocity or intimacy in view. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In seeking to establish a Relational Spirituality on the foundation of our value for intimacy with God the question of whether our experience is constructed is important. Here there's a difference between on one hand relating to a religious service or activity and pressure dynamics and on the other relating to God as a Person who draws near to speak and act. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In seeking to establish a Relational Spirituality on the foundation of our value for intimacy with God several things come into focus. Here there's an interplay between the Personhood of God of a God understood as transcendent, understood as universal cosmic presence, and understood to draw near in Person.  In this conversation we pick up on a quote from Sarah Bessey on FB. Are we really caught between charismatic/pentecostal experience in meetings and a universal presence of God found in the appreciation of life? I think personhood differs to universal presence and, without setting these against each other, let's recognise that a personal relationship is a reciprocal dynamic between two persons. It is not between a person and an abstracted or conceptual presence.  We rely on your generous support to continue this podcast and the rest of our work. Please consider making a contribution toward the work of the urban mystic. There's a link to follow in the show notes to PayPal. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this episode we continue speaking about our value for ‘intimacy with God'. I put forward that there is profound difference between the ‘faith as intimacy paradigm' and the ‘intimacy through relational engagement paradigm'. The ‘faith as intimacy paradigm' has a low value for intimacy with God as there's no intent to cultivate relational engagement. It wraps the bow of peak experience around meaningful engagement with God and then defines such as for the needy and immature. The ‘faith as intimacy paradigm' sounds awfully like taking a relational partner for granted while not valuing their presence or seeking their attention. The result is that the ‘faith as intimacy paradigm' is a very tough environment to make headway toward intimacy with God within. We're exploring the possibility and potential of a genuine relationship with God. Is there a bar or a standard for this? Or are we to expect relational engagement to be few and far between if possible at all? These are important questions for anyone seeking a Relational Spirituality. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this week's episode we take a break from our current exploration of foundational values for relational spirituality, to feature a guest, Jackie Barker. In many ways this episode reflects the kinds of conversations we have with our listeners. Jackie is a Presbyterian minister in Johannesburg, South Africa, and runs a foster home, Omphile House, where they give a small group of children their ‘forever home'. Please support this initiative (link below) - as this family is doing amazing work and it is a cause close to both my and Tim's heart. In this episode we spend much time teasing out the experience of “abandonment”. How are we understanding abandonment? Is there room for growth in relationship when we experience a stepping away? But what if there's been no experience of God's presence? How do we then understand that...? Omphile House Facebook Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this episode we dive into another of our key values: intimacy with God. Though we can draw on a number of analogies from our human-to-human relationships these often support the idea that God is practically distant and that engagement with God constitutes a peak or mountaintop experience. This is, however, untrue as the image of intimacy is presented by God to us as the true depths of what a relationship with God can be like and what we can attain in this life. Are we perhaps selling ourselves short and substituting faith and limerance for genuine relationship? And, if so, what beginnings do we make at exploring and establishing intimacy with God as our highest and deepst value? Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

When editing this episode I noted that we spoke a lot about "deep listening" which mirrors the mystics saying a tremendous amount about "silence". This sparked a conversation and Steve suggested we speak of this value as "active silence". This works really well and helps us distinguish our value for "active silence" from the priority and practice of "reflective listening" in our one-on-one sessions and "deep listening" in group sessions. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

"I want to be right there at the coal face of meaning because I think that's the truest true: to be there in the meaning at the depths of the relationship." – Steve Carter In this episode we dive into one of our key values: storytelling. Storytelling is vital to Relational Spirituality as its vital to relational depth. We all live in relation to stories, and yet we can live more in relation to stories than to the people those stories are about. And, we also often live more in relation to our own story and so can bound to it and lost within our own self. The art of storytelling lies in self-discovery and then the sharing of this discovery with others. Through storytelling we can arrive at the true depth of living and loving and enter deeply into  our relationships. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

In this episode we entertain the possibility of beginning from the ground up with the individual focusing on values which translate into priorities and practices. We also consider the introduction of processes into existing communities centred around the activities of doing church. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

We continue tackling this foundation block of preaching in this second exploration of preaching and process. Preaching is often seen as a non-negotiable when it comes to church/spiritual community practice, with a huge value placed on it's ability to transform individuals and groups. This episode considers the difference between preaching and process. We explore the way that trust rests in the preacher with preaching and with the participants and God with processes. We also explore how process can be added to or fit into the context of church as is, and yet that there's a need for and hope in a new paradigm centred on process and participation. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

We continue tackling this foundation block of preaching in this second exploration of preaching and process. Preaching is often seen as a non-negotiable when it comes to church/spiritual community practice, with a huge value placed on it's ability to transform individuals and groups. This episode considers the relation between preaching and the presence of God. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal 

Following the episode on the Bible, Tim and Steve tackle one of the next foundation blocks in institutional religion: preaching. It is often seen as a non-negotiable when it comes to church/spiritual community practice, with a huge value placed on it's ability to transform individuals and groups. Why is it seen as the pinnacle of so much community practice? Why the high value attributed to it's transformative ability? What are some of our personal experiences of preaching and it's impact? What are some of the possible egos and agendas at play in a church dynamic that keeps preaching at the top of the practice pyramid? This episode puts down some thinking and possibilities on which a subsequent episode can build and focus on how process and embodied relational spirituality may provide much more than preaching in both it's transformative efficacy and self & community relational integrity. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

In this episode Tim and Steve take their first aim at the question of "What do you have to say about the Bible?" This is a deeply complex subject, so this is both a stand alone episode within Season 5, but also must be understood as an introductory take on this important and multifaceted conversation.  We hope you enjoy it, and would love to hear your thoughts in response. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

We're sharing our own experience of God. This is by way of example of how deep and real these conversations can go. This episode is the conversation that follows the morning after Steve shared his early experience of God with Tim. If you'd like to explore your journey with us, contact us via the form on our website. The link is below. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

We're sharing our own experience of God. This is by way of example of how deep and real these conversations can go. In this episode Steve share's the story of his early experience of God. In telling our stories in this way we gain insight into an enriching spirituality connected to God's attentive, active, and relational presence. If you'd like to explore your journey with us, contact us via the form on our website. The link is below. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal       

We're sharing our own experience of God. This is by way of example of how deep and real these conversations can go. This episode is the conversation that follows the morning after Tim shared his early experience of God with Steve. If you'd like to explore your journey with us, contact us via the form on our website. The link is below. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

We're sharing our own experience of God. This is by way of example of how deep and real these conversations can go. In this episode Tim share's the story of his early experience of God, covering the early years of 1987 - 1993. Not everyone's journey begins at the same point in their life and the details will vary considerably. It is important to distinguish our experience of God from what we make of it and how we've been schooled into interpreting and presenting it. If you'd like to explore your journey with us, contact us via the form on our website. The link is below. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

In this episode we introduce a section of episodes in Season 5 in which we share our own answers to the questions we've posed to all of our previous guests. That is, an exploration of our own early experiences of God. We also share some thoughts on why we're introducing them at this point in the season. There's also 10 bonus points awarded to Gryffindor for the first listener to spot where Tim's timer goes off in the episode. We wanted a tighter timeframe for this intro and so put ourselves under pressure to be more concise than usual :) Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

In this episode we explore this season as a conversational pilgrimage shared between the hosts, listeners, and conversation partners. We go on to consider that our human-to-human relationships offer insight into our human-to-divine relationship, and therewith honesty in terms of where our relationship really is at. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

In this episode we explore the remarkable difference between the silence and absence of God in the spirituality of the beliver and of the mystic-to-be. This is a very important discussion for anyone wanting to gain a sense of God's drawing near and withdrawing. And especially important for anyone wrestling with a relational disconnect with God. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

We primarily believe and belong as those raised Christian in a mostly Christian world. In this episode, we explore the shift from presence to mystery and the challenge of trying to engage God relationally in the context of a life and faith defined by silence and absence. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

In this episode we continue the conversation around relational experience in relation to other people and in relation to God. Here we distinguish between God's non-relational relationships and God's relational relationships. This might sound complex but it really comes together as we talk about our human to human relationships and the relationship we can have to 'the idea of God within us' as opposed to having ideas about God and relating to God as the Person who draws near and withdraws. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

In this episode we begin establishing what Relational Spirituality is. As people we have diverse relationships – with ideas, values, objects, institutions, and persons – and it's important to shift from relating to God as an idea to relating to God as a Person who draws near and withdraws. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

This is our introductory episode to Season 5 of the podcast of the urban mystic. Here Tim Victor and Steve Carter talk about the season and what's ahead. This is our most ambitious season yet and we'll be establishing Relational Spirituality in concept and in practice. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal   

Here is another bonus episode for you of quality conversation with a wise and humble guest, Wayne Jacobsen. Wayne generously gave us an hour and a half of his time to explore his experience, his thinking and current work and life. Wayne leads us to “new spiritual trailheads” as he works with “hungry people” – hungry people who are interested and yearning for engagement with God. It is a conversation which covers more than 40 years of life history; so a rich and insightful tapestry. Support Urban Mystic Website | FaceBook| YouTube | PayPal