Podcasts about Spiritual formation

"Growing in our relational knowledge of how to connect and love requires a lot of practice. And it requires deliberate practice. We need to focus on specific outcomes that stretch us beyond our current relational knowledge and spiritual maturity level. We need to rely on methods taught in Scripture and developed by spiritual masters further down the road" (Todd W. Hall, The Connected Life).  In the early morning hours, Janell found herself tossing and turning. With a God whisper in her ear, she released her desire to stay nestled under the comforter and instead got up and found her Bible. In this unplanned, unexpected episode, Janell shares the deep love of God in the words penned in Psalm 63. She found herself asking, "Do I really believe these words?" In true Lectio Divina fashion, Janell reads Psalm 63, inviting you to ask yourself the same question, "Do I really believe these words?" Read Psalm 63Listen to Season 12, Bonus, "What Are You Longing For?"Listen to Season 10, Episode 2 with Jan Johnson, "Everyday in the Secret Place," for a gentle reminder of the role of contemplative prayer in our daily lives.Listen to Season 11, Episode 6 with Pastor Terry Smith, "Spiritual Amnesia: Have I Forgotten the Blessings of God?"Subscribe to Janell's biweekly newsletterToday's Heartlift with Janell is currently fully supported by Heartlift International, a 501-3c committed to making home and family the safest, most secure place on earth. Every resource developed, every podcast recorded, and every book written has one goal: To help families become stronger every day. Learn more about Heartlift International and help support this podcast: https://www.janellrardon.com/heartliftinternational/

The church is not immune to the growing mental health crisis, certainly not pastors and leaders. And we don't always know where to get mental health resources for creating resilient individuals and churches. Howe guest today is passionate about bridging that gap.Laura Howe is a clinical mental health social worker, addictions counselor, and projectmanager. She has spent her 15-year career supporting and serving the marginalizedand suffering in her local community. Laura launched Hope Made Strong, an organization dedicated to helping the local church care for their communities without burning out. And launched the Church Mental Health Summit, happening on Oct. 10th, which is on World Mental Health Day.Links: Church Mental Health Summit: https://www.churchmentalhealthsummit.com/Hope Made Strong: https://www.hopemadestrong.org/aboutJoin Attaching to God Learning Cohort: Quieting an Anxious and Avoidant Faith.Starting October 16, and meets Mondays, 8 pm -9 pm, Eastern Time. Link: https://www.embodiedfaith.life/attaching-to-god-cohort DMIN in Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience program information is here (https://sfrn.westernsem.edu/).Stay Connected: Need spiritual coaching that aligns with this podcast? Connect with Cyd Holsclaw here. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

Join us for another insightful episode of the GraceStory Podcast, where we journey through the landscape of spiritual formation and personal growth. In today's episode, we continue our exploration of spiritual formation with Dr. Barber, diving into its transformative power. We revisit the concept of understanding how our past shapes our spiritual journey, define spiritual formation, explore its ongoing nature, and emphasize key aspects: continual growth, Christ-likeness, service, and humility. We discuss the impact of past experiences, intentional choices, and practical implications in everyday life. Finally, we look into the influence of spiritual formation on relationships, highlighting genuine communication, love, and service. Join us as we uncover the art of becoming. Subscribe and share for more spiritual insights. To learn more about Counseling Alliance click HERE. Do you have a question you would like for us to help find an answer for? Have feedback? Want to hear more on a certain topic? Have a suggestion for a guest? We are listening. You can email me at nate@gracestoryministries.com.  We would love for you to join the GraceStory Community Group on Facebook. There is great content in this exclusive, closed group that you won't want to miss out on. Consider becoming a supporter of GraceStory Ministries with a donation. Whether it's a one time gift or you want to join others in the GraceStory Community with a reoccurring donation, you can give by texting GRACESTORY to 44321. Follow GraceStory Podcast on Facebook Join GraceStory Community Group Follow GraceStory Podcast on Twitter @GraceStoryPod  GraceStory on Instagram: @my_grace_story  @gracestoryministries  @gracestorypodcast

We live in a world in which it is so easy to demonize and dehumanize people who are not like us.  Or we categorize people and forget their humanity.But that's the exact opposite of what Jesus did.  Jesus humanized people.  He treated every human being as a beloved child of God.  Jesus treated every individual he encountered as a person.That's what we're discussing in this conversation with Paul Louis Metzger, the author of More Than Things: A Personalist Ethics for a Throwaway Culture.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Paul Louis Metzger is professor of Christian theology and theology of culture at Multnomah University and Seminary and the author of More Than Things: A Personalist Ethics for a Throwaway Culture.We have a tendency in our society to turn people into things.The issue of treating people as things has become very personal for Paul Louis Metzger ever since his son suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident several years ago.Personhood, according to Paul Louis Metzger, has to do with inviolability, unfathomability, and unrepeatability.Attributing personhood to one another is a matter of seeking to affirm an individual's agency, showing them respect, listening to them, and being present with them.Paul Louis Metzger reflects on the way those with Down's Syndrome are often thought of as having a lower quality of life, when the opposite often seems to be true.  And, yet, the value of their personhood is frequently in question.Markus Watson reflects on the ways churches tend to “thingify” people, both inside and outside the church.When we talk about people, communities, and families as giving units, that's the language of commodification.People consume, but people should not be reduced to patterns of consumption.Paul Louis Metzger unpacks the Prodigal Son story as a way of thinking about treating people as persons.“When we gain a sense of our significance and worth—not because of how big our church is or how well-known we are or whatever the case might be, how many books we sell, how many this or how many that—but because we are loved.  We exist because we are loved.  That frees pastors up to evangelize better.  To be better shepherds.  They're not going to be hired hands or wolves in sheep's clothing.”RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:New Wine InstituteUncommon Good, Uncommon God (Patheos blog)Books mentioned:More Than Things: A Personalist Ethics for a Throwaway Culture, by Paul Louis MetzgerThe Way of Chuang Tzu, by Thomas MertonBeyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God's Mission, by Markus WatsonLife of the Beloved, by Henri NouwenSharing Faith, by Thomas GroomeDownload the FREE course, Becoming Leaders of Shalom.

Dr. Rachel Heffied unpacks the significance of wellbeing and thriving in missionary life. ABOUT BRIAN HEERWAGEN: Dr. Rachel Heffield has been engaged with missionaries and called to international ministry most of her life. Growing up as a PK and headed to the mission field, she began studying counseling to meet people where they were at in their journeys, to bring hope of the gospel. She finds great joy, helping people navigate the highs and lows of life. She served in East Asia for eight years, where she learned firsthand with some of the challenges and joys of being a global worker. In her own life, as well as professional and academic research, she developed a passion for helping global workers thrive and grow in this important work. She currently serves as Assistant Professor and Chair of the Center for Personal and Spiritual Formation at Western Seminary and provides counseling through A New Day Counseling. ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:  Articles & Books: 1997 - Caring for People in Missions: Just Surviving or Thriving? Optimal Care for the Long Haul by Lois Dodds, Ph. D. and Larry Dodds, M. D - Inspiration for Dr. Rachel Heffield's doctoral dissertation Healthy, Resilient, and Effective in Cross Cultural Ministry by Dr. Laura Mae Gardner Expectations and Burnout: Women Surviving the Great Commission by Sue Eenigenburg and Robynn Bliss Organizations providing Member Care & Tools: Global Trellis - Online webinars and trainings Velvet Ashes - Resources and community (for women) Valeo - Online counseling Thrive Worldwide Blog Ongoing Resilience Research Headington Institute - Individual and Organizational Resilience

What does it mean to grow to maturity in faith?  How is that lived out?  As Paul continues his letter, he shares from a place that helps us see a true example of someone that has come to a maturity in life and in faith.  Where are you in your journey?Scripture from The New Living TranslationMusic from MusicbedTo read my blog, find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/You can follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/and Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Allie was a volunteer in youth ministry, serving as a Chaplain in the Substance Use Disorder unit in a veterans hospital. Then Allie got her first call as a pastor -- and it was to serve in youth ministry! The culture shock was big, but also not as big as you'd think! Her work as a chaplain gave her a big passion for mental health and spiritual resources; laying the groundwork for how Allie interacts with her students. ABOUT ALLIE: Alie serves as the Youth Pastor at Keller United Methodist Church. Youth Ministry was something Alloe used to do in her free time as a volunteer and then Boom! Her first appointment in the UMC was as a Youth Pastor. Alie loves how utterly weird Youth Ministry can be, and how enthusiastic students are to just be themselves. Whether they're discussing Barbenheimer or theologically themed inside jokes, you can find Allie almost always laughing with her students. Follow her on Instagram @ordinarilyallie To listen to more podcasts from the Youth Cartel Podcast Network, click here! Support the podcast by subscribing to our Patreon for as little as $1 a month! https://www.patreon.com/womeninym --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/womeninym/support

In this 2-part episode series, we break down this quote from my Spiritual Formation course curriculum: "...we must remember that spiritual gifts are not given for the purpose of providing a sense of personal satisfaction or achievement...Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, for building up the Body of Christ." Let's have a conversation about spiritual and how they can be misused or misperceived.   Read: Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Corinthians 12:23–25   Watch our latest Poetry Jam on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFGH_lnmVJw&t=128s&ab_channel=UN-ASSOCIATED   Poetry jam feedback: https://forms.gle/faQo7x6scE4bghQi6   Bible Study Sign up: https://forms.gle/qqukxBcKqpFtpqEb8   Submit a Question of a Topic Suggestion: https://www.un-associated.com/askchurchboy/   If you feel led, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to UN-ASSOCIATED HERE.    

This week we share a sermon delivered by Bill Haley back in 2019 on the most important dynamics of prayer, drawn from Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 6. Ultimately, he casts a vision of the praying life as a life of pursuing an abiding friendship with God.inthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

Spiritual Formation

About the Episode: Author Kelly Kapic discusses how God places limits on our lives to bring us closer to Him through true dependence. In a world where limits are seen as negative, Dr. Kapic talks about the beauty of those limits, brought about by some of his own personal journey as well as being a professor. Limits can be seen as physical, emotional, educational, relational, age-related, or many other things. Hear them discuss the unintended consequences of trying to do all the world says we have to do to keep up or get ahead and whether we are even asking God. How can we live counter-culturally with regard to accepting our limits and abiding in Christ? There is so much beauty in God's design. If you are struggling with issues related to anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to deeplight@pcpc.org or 214-224-2500. About Our Guest: Kelly M. Kapic is Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, where he has taught since 2001. He has written and edited over fifteen books, including You're Only Human, which won the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award in Theology (Popular) and the Southwestern Journal of Theology 2022 Book of the Year Award (Applied Theology/Ethics) and Embodied Hope (IVP Academic, 2017), which won the Book of the Year Award from Christianity Today in the category of Theology and Ethics and World Magazine's Short List award for Accessible Theology Book of the year. Some of his other work includes the widely used text A Little Book for New Theologians and two volumes with the economist Brian Fikkert: Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty isn't the American Dream and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole: Principles for Poverty Alleviation Ministries. He received the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award (Inspirational). An active speaker and collaborator, Kapic has also worked on research teams funded by the John Templeton Foundation and has written for various academic journals and popular magazines, including serving on the Board of editorial consultants for the Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Kelly and his wife Tabitha have two adult children, Jonathan and Margot. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew, and granddaughter, Haddie), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: PCPC counseling ministry - https://pcpc.org/care/ Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or call 214-224-2500, and we will connect you with others who can walk alongside you. (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

Receive weekly mini-retreat newsletter by clicking here. Free 9 page examen workbook with classic and creative practices for reflection God's invitation scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-3, Song of Songs 2:13-15, Proverbs 9:4-5, Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message, Mark 1:17, Mark 6:31-32 Untamed Christian; Unleased Church by Terry Wardle Join Table of the Beloved here for LIVE zooms and four years of teachings

A hand-written letter,  hand delivered with greetings full of joy and love.  It's the beginning of a book that will take us on a journey to unveil the secret of inner joy and contentment spoken of by the apostle Paul.  How is joy possible in a harsh world?  Let's discover the answer together...Scripture from the New Living TranslationMusic from MusicbedTo read my blog, find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/You can follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/and Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

Welcome to Church Chat, the show where we have the conversations about ministry you wish we were having. Today Josh and Emily are joined by Deb Hinkel, Director of Spiritual Formation and Family Ministry at Hershey Free! They talk about how to navigate glass ceilings and sticky floors as a woman in ministry, developing a thick skin, chauvinism hiding behind theology, establishing healthy boundaries in a co-ed environment, creating church cultures where the expectation is that women will contribute, and paradigm shifts that need to happen for women in leadership. Deb joined the Hershey Free staff in 2015 after spending fourteen years as an assistant professor in the Church and Ministry Leadership department at Lancaster Bible College. Mentioned in the episode: Millersville UniversityInterVarsityDr. Walter KaiserA Long Obedience In The Same Direction by Eugene PetersonPrepared Worthy: Celebrating The Value of Women by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric SchumacherWomen In The Church: Reclaiming The Ideal by Carroll Osburn Connect with Deb: InstagramFacebook Listen to more Church Chat episodes. Connect with EFCA East efcaeast.comInstagramFacebook

Caleb Clardy teaches from Matthew 7:24-29 and John 14:12-14 on September 17, 2023.Support the show

1 He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2 The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in number. (NIV 84) ABOUT THE LESSON "The Dechurching of America" - we are currently experiencing the largest and fastest religious shift in the history of our country, as about 40 million formerly regular Christian worshippers have decided they no longer desire to attend church at all. This accounts for around 16 percent of our adult population.   Definition of spiritual formation - the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others (Invitation to a Journey: A Roadmap for Spiritual Formation, Robert Mullholand). Agape - this is the highest form of love. It is the love modeled by Jesus to his disciples. It is a selfless, sacrificial, and serving love. In the KJV Bible, the word is translated as "charity" when it refers to one Christian showing it to another Christian.  WHY GIVE CHURCH A SECOND CHANCE? Because of the need for community: give people a second chance.  Because of the life of conformity: give the process a second chance.   Because of the outcome of charity: give the possibility a second chance.  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What do you think about this movement in our country that has been called the "dechurching of America?" Have you experienced hurt or had negative experiences in the church? Have you had to give church a second chance?  Humans are created by God with a need for community. How have you seen this to be true in your life? Discuss both the difficulty and the importance of community.  What do you think about the above definition of spiritual formation? Discuss specifically the phrase "for the sake of others."  Jesus says that we should love each other as He has loved us. It is the highest form of love. What are some examples of how you have experienced this kind of love through the church?

This episode seeks to help people understand why spiritual formation includes our physical bodies, and how the body affects the soul.

Episode 57, show notes: 1. Download worksheet for creating your own tray here. 2. Sign up for a weekly mini-retreat slipped into your inbox by clicking here. 3. Huberman lab podcast episode: Click here for The Science of Making and Breaking Habits: (Start at minute 24) 4. Presence Project Podcast: A Beginner's Guide to the Examen, click here. 5. Nightly Examen: a 7 1/2 minute recording. Just push play. I'll lead you through by clicking here.

Jennifer Holberg is Professor and Chair of the Department of English at Calvin University and author Nourishing Narratives.The church gives us stories to imagine ourselves into.  Stories shape us.  At the same time, pastors and ministry leaders need to recognize that every person in our church brings their own stories.  And, so, how can we create space to share and hear one another's stories—as we are shaped by the story of the gospel?THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Jennifer Holberg is Professor and Chair of the Department of English at Calvin University and author Nourishing Narratives.Jennifer Holberg shares what she loves about teaching.“As people of faith, we have stories that give us more to be hopeful about, more to tell us how beloved we are.  And they really counteract a lot of the stories that we have been told or tell ourselves.”Stories can be positive forces in our lives or they can negatively impact us.  It depends on the stories we tell and believe.According to Jennifer Holberg, how we interpret stories matters.The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves impact our identity. But Jennifer Holberg holds that we can tell ourselves new stories.Jennifer Holberg says, “Church communities, if they are functional, give us other stories to imagine ourselves into.”The Bible gives us many stories to help us understand our lives.  As opposed to society, which often only gives one story (wealth, success, etc.).Pastors, in their teaching, need to understand what stories people are bringing with them into the church.We need spaces in church for people to tell their stories.According to Jennifer Holberg, it's important for all the generations in the church to share their stories with the other generations.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Jennifer Holberg:Calvin UniversityCenter fot Faith and WritingBooks mentioned:Nourishing Narratives, by Jennifer HolbergEvidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowellThe Story of You, by Ian Morgan CronRelated episodes mentioned:Episode 121: Rewrite Your Story, with Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Story of YouDownload the FREE course, Becoming Leaders of Shalom.

Wholeness is not asking for an entirely new way. It's simply asking us to take what's already there and press out the creases, a little at a time.   Links:  Find the full poem by Antonio Machado andTranslated by Robert Bly here. Find  Radical Acceptance: Embracing your Life with the Heart of a Buddha, by Tara Branch here. Find my instagram posts about the brain treatment Ace and I recieved here and here.  This reflection and practice were also published this week in The Slow Way Newsletter. Find a transcript of this episode here.  Find Micha's website and sign up for her weekly newsletter here Find Micha on Instagram Find Micha on Threads.  Micha's other (award winning!) podcast, The Lucky Few, is all about Down syndrome advocacy. She cohosts it with Heather Avis and Mercedes Lara.  Preorder my new book Blessed Are The Rest of Us: How Limits and Longing Make Us Whole at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and available everywhere books are sold.  

TRELLIS | Spiritual Formation in The Way of Jesus | Benji Horning

This week we share a sermon delivered by Bill Haley back in 2019 on the universal reality of death, which our culture consistently downplays, and the Christian's hope in the midst of that sobering reality.  This is the first in a four-part sermon series drawn from the Sermon on the Mount; we will be sharing the rest of that series over the coming weeks.inthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

Caleb Clardy teaches from 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 & 4:6 on September 10, 2023.Support the show

Preaching for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Carolyn Jacobs, MSW, Ph.D. offers a reflection on community: "The challenges of our church and our world are invitations to continuous discernment of how to dialogue, to forgive, and to be obedient to the urgings of the Spirit. We live in a time when we need to step out and invite others to prayer, dialogue, and action. We need to trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. For the challenges invite us to become open to our personal and collective vulnerabilities in creating and nurturing communities of faith that are inclusive. To remember that we are not alone, that we are because others exist in the world surrounding us. We trust that whatever challenging circumstances or people we meet on our journeys, we are called to listen for God's voice as we gather in groups of two or more and hold in our hearts the love of our neighbors as ourselves." Carolyn Jacobs, MSW, PhD is Dean Emerita and Elizabeth Marting Treuhaft Professor Emerita of the Smith College School for Social Work and Spiritual Director. Dr. Jacobs was a member of the School's faculty for 35 years, serving as the dean 14 of those years, as well as director of an Advanced Certificate Program in Spirituality and Social Work Practice for seven years. She received her MSW from San Diego State University, her doctorate from the Heller School of Brandeis University, and her training as a spiritual director from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She maintains a spiritual direction practice and is committed to creating spaces for health care providers to discover the rich resources of contemplative practices from many wisdom traditions in developing resilience for self and others. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/09102023 to learn more about Dr. Jacobs, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Today we are dedicating the whole podcast to an idea we've discussed briefly in other episodes: the inner child. Is this psychological jargon or does it have a place in the life of a Christian? Rick and Lauren discuss how we believe it is the latter and how we can bring these wounded places from our past into the presence of Jesus. As always, their discussion is centered around authenticity and vulnerability. We hope you enjoy it. Rick references Anxiously Attached by Jessica Baum. Rick references our episode How Running From Runs Us Rick references our episode on Spiritual Formation with Stacey Tafao Email Rick at rickdunn61@gmail.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Email Lauren at laurengmorgan@gmail.com or find her on Instagram.

Rev. Tom Darnell, Pastor of Spiritual Formation, Nashville Presbytery

Rev. Vincent Joplin helps us understand the pillar of “Community” for Hope Church. He walks us through what it looks like to be a “Community of Faith” that goes beyond the building and into the lives of one another as we seek to walk out the Gospel. Pastor Vincent resounded to us that "I belong, you belong, we belong…here!" — Stay connected with Hope Church Memphis: Website • HopeChurchMemphis.com Instagram • @Hope4Memphis TikTok • @Hope4Memphis Facebook • @Hope4Memphis Prayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Prayer Giving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Icon: Ivanka Demchuk Introduction to Spiritual Formation of the Family Seminar Opening poem: Charles Sperry Talk: Lindsay Powers

If we take the time to Stand, Look, and Ask as God invites in Jeremiah 6:16, transition can be a place of powerful growth. There is often a great shifting in liminal spaces. As Madeleine L'Engle said, "It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet and what is sand.” It's not comfortable, but it IS an opportunity.  

This week Mark and Jess sit down with Cheryl Fletcher, Director of Spiritual Formation, to chat fly fishing, redwoods, our series Teach Us How To Pray, the Spiritual Formation Retreat, and, of course, prayer. Text us: (650)600-0402

Rev. Vincent Joplin closes out the Stirring sermon series "Questions Jesus Asked" with the ultimate question of salvation: "Do You Want to Get Well?" — Stay connected with The Stirring at Hope Church in Memphis, TN: Website • HopeChurchMemphis.com Instagram • @TheStirringAtHope TikTok • @Hope4Memphis Facebook • @TheStirringAtHope Prayer • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Prayer Giving • HopeChurchMemphis.com/Give

Jim Wilder is the author Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms and the resident neurotheologian at Life Model Works.In this episode, Jim Wilder discusses how we become who we are created to be through the lens of neurotheology.  In other words, what role does your brain play in forming you into the person you were created to be?And how can an understanding of how the brain works help us develop environments in our churches that nurture deep spiritual formation among our people and help them both become who they were created to be and fulfill the purpose for which they were created?THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Jim Wilder is the author Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms and the resident neurotheologian at Life Model Works.Jim Wilder explains what a “neuro-theologian” is.Jim Wilder's book, Renovated, is based on a conference Jim did with Dallas Willard before he passed away.Spiritual maturity and natural maturity are both rooted in relationship and are part and parcel of each other.Attachment love is formed with people who are glad to be with us.Spiritual formation happens as people develop attachment love with one another and with God.Human beings often lose their sense of peace.  To find our way back to peace the brain's best path is through being thankful.According to Jim Wilder, “mutual mind” (or intersubjectivity) happens when two peoples subconscious processing begins to line up with each other.  Their brains begin to produce the same chemistry, the same thoughts, the same patterns.Jim Wilder asks: Would God give us the capacity for mutual mind and not make use of it himself?Spiritual disciplines create the space where mutual mind with God can develop.According to Jim Wilder, after the Vietnam War, there was a huge professionalization of the clergy, where pastors were now rated on how well they got results in their job, as opposed to developing loving relationships with people.If salvation is about becoming the person God meant us to be—and God was intelligent—then by being exactly who God is creating you to be, you will accomplish what God wants done at the moment.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Books mentioned:Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms, by Jim WilderEmotionally Healthy Spirituality, by Peter ScazzeroShame and Grace, by Lewis SmedesBecoming a Face of Grace: Navigating Lasting Relationship with God and Others, by Ed KhouriLearn how to lead your church into ministry that matters. Check out my online course, Engaging God's Mission.

"Is God good? I know he loves the people around me, but does he love me the same? Sometimes the questions feel louder than the belief in me, what do I do with that?" These questions are common to the Christian journey of faith and our guest today, Stacey Tafao, discusses how vital the lost art of spiritual formation is to our lives. Learn how sometimes the question isn't "What is the answer to this?" as it is "Who is God for you in this moment?" Today we are joined by Stacey Tafao. She is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Community at Fellowship Church in Knoxville, TN. Stacey joined us previously and told us her story for the episode A Life Reframed: Redeeming our Wounds. Stacey references A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson. Stacey references the work of Larry Crabb. Stacey references A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken Stacey mentions graftedlife.org https://www.graftedlife.org/Stacey references The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron Connect with StaceyEmail Rick at rickdunn61@gmail.com or find him on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Email Lauren at laurengmorgan@gmail.com or find her on Instagram.

"Your body is acceptable to God." Sermon by Charissa Simmons, Canon for Spiritual Formation, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

This week we share a sermon offered by Bill Haley back in 2014.  There is no shortage of darkness and brokenness in our world.  What is stunning is how consistently God provides lights to shine in the midst of that darkness.  Bill reminds us that we are called by God to be “children of light,” and he unpacks what that can mean in our various life contexts.Read the Sermon Transcriptinthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

In this engaging podcast episode, Brian Miller, the Executive Director of Coach Approach Ministries (CAM), is joined by Nancy Dickerson, a missionary from Costa Rica. The two discuss coaching spiritual formation and the process of listening to the voice of God. Nancy shares her journey into spiritual formation, inspired by a book called "The Listening Life," which opened her eyes to the possibility of attuning her ear to hear God's voice. They explore the differences between discipleship and spiritual formation, with Nancy emphasizing the importance of going deeper with the Lord and listening to His voice for transformation. Nancy also highlights the significance of discernment over opinion in coaching, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's guiding presence. The conversation reveals that coaching, when grounded in spiritual formation, is a partnership that leads to profound insights and growth for both the coach and the coachee.   FOLLOW US: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Podcast (on Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/5J16wfziYfSHzVq4hFLXCM Podcast (on iTunes): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coach-approach-ministries-podcast/id1077947301 Website: www.coachapproachministries.org Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538

Join Lisa as she talks with Amy J. Brown about the journey of parenting children with special needs. We talk about the moment she realized her children's challenges were going to change her life and family forever. We talk honestly about guilt and shame as adoptive moms, blocked care, and a practical exercise for moving from guilt to acceptance. Amy J. Brown is a writer, mentor, and co-host of the podcast, Take Heart. She is the author of the book The Other Side Of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, and Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom. Amy has a Master's Degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership.  She shares honestly about adoption and parenting children with mental health issues and trauma.  She is the mother of six children. She lives with her husband in Michigan. ​ Click here to download a transcript for this episode. Relevant Links The Other Side of Special* by Amy J. Brown, Sara Clime, Carrie M. Holt Connect on Instagram Join our Reclaim Compassion Coaching Group *this is an affiliate link

Series: First ImportanceScripture: 1 Corinthians 15:9-10We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you'd like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council BluffsFacebookInstagramCitylight Council BluffsSunday Gatherings at 9:00 & 11:00 AMLivestream at 9:00 AM2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Support the show

This week we share a "Space for God" devotional offered by Danny Nasry. Danny guides us through two prayers: the "Litany of Humility" which has been prayed for centuries, and his own "Litany of Dignity," which he wrote as a complement to the historic prayer.  Together, the two prayers offer a beautiful and challenging invitation to uproot our most engrained sins, whether pride or self-rejection.View Our Complete Archive of “Space for God” Prayer Practicesinthecoracle.org  |  @inthecoracleSupport the show

Caleb Clardy teaches from Psalm 25 on August 20, 2023.Support the show

Caleb Clardy teaches from Psalm 131 on August 13, 2023.Support the show

“Inasmuch as we are dying,” Shannon K. Evans writes in her book Rewilding Motherhood, “we are also creating. Inasmuch as old things are passing away, we are also being made new. We are less of who we were and so much more of who we will be. . . God is all in all.”  For something to become new, the old thing must let go—a shadow lengthening, a leaf releasing from the branch, the earth tilting ever so slightly away from the source of light.  Links:  Here's a link to Shannon K. Evans' book Rewilding Motherhood I announced my new book and cover a few weeks ago on Instagram. So excited to share it with you! This reflection and practice were also published this week in The Slow Way Newsletter. Find a transcript of this episode here.  Find Micha's website and sign up for her weekly newsletter here Find Micha on Instagram Find Micha on Threads.  Micha's other (award winning!) podcast, The Lucky Few, is all about Down syndrome advocacy. She cohosts it with Heather Avis and Mercedes Lara.  Preorder my new book Blessed Are The Rest of Us: How Limits and Longing Make Us Whole at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and available everywhere books are sold.  

A 20-minute meditation—an audio retreat—on Psalm 131. Put on some headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let your soul be quieted. This episode is a collaboration with Joshua Banner from The Invitation Podcast (invitationpodcast.org).