Author Archives for Jim Baker

Erich Fromm’s Six Rules Of Listening Every Minister Should Know

November 24, 2020 1:01 am Published by Leave your thoughts

In his book, The Art of Listening, influential philosopher and psychologist Erich Fromm (March 23, 1900–March 18, 1980) details the techniques, dynamics, and... Continue Reading


10 Ways To Live Restoratively

November 17, 2020 1:01 am Published by Leave your thoughts

I believe the intent of Reconciliation as taught in the Christian Church is to be restorative —returning the individual to... Continue Reading


What Is True Self-False Self?

November 10, 2020 1:01 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Only with a single-minded attention to Christ can we give up our fears and face our own true nature. As... Continue Reading


The Prospect Theory And Why It Is Important In Leading Church Change

November 3, 2020 6:32 am Published by Leave your thoughts

How do members actually think about major changes in the church? The “prospect theory” from behavioral economics can provide some... Continue Reading


Two Key Ingredients In Leading Church Change

October 27, 2020 1:01 am Published by Leave your thoughts

I’ve always found it ironic that the church is so resistant to change. The first words out of Jesus’ mouth... Continue Reading


What Is Adaptive And Creative Change And Why They Matter Now More Than Ever?

October 20, 2020 1:01 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Our lives, our churches, and our businesses are being influenced by an increasing number of complex political, social, and economic... Continue Reading


What Is Christian Mysticism And Why Is It Important?

October 13, 2020 1:01 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Christian Mysticism is a complex spiritual topic and defies easy definition. Historically, mysticism is defined as hidden, unspeakable, can’t be... Continue Reading


Does Christianity Really Have Mystical Foundations?

October 6, 2020 2:02 am Published by Leave your thoughts

If Western Christianity does not discover its mystical foundations and roots, we might as well close the church doors–Rahner In... Continue Reading


The Story Behind The Jesus Prayer

September 29, 2020 2:02 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Have you heard the story of the Russian Pilgrim and the Jesus Prayer told in the “Way of the Pilgrim”? It’s... Continue Reading


Thomas Merton’s Most Famous Prayer – One That Anyone Can Pray

September 22, 2020 2:02 am Published by Leave your thoughts

One of the characteristics of Christian contemplative spirituality is a humble acknowledgement that we do not understand the ground on... Continue Reading


Spiritual Reading, Meditation, And Contemplation As Prayer

September 15, 2020 2:02 am Published by Leave your thoughts

It is safe to say that unless we are committed and faithful to some form of prayer we will most... Continue Reading


Which Is Better For Addressing Problematic Behavior: Calling In Or Calling Out?

September 8, 2020 2:02 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Lately there’s been a lot of talk about which approaches we should use to address problematic behavior and oppressive systems... Continue Reading