In his book, The Art of Listening, influential philosopher and psychologist Erich Fromm (March 23, 1900–March 18, 1980) details the techniques, dynamics, and mindsets that make for an optimal listening relationship, in therapy and in life. “Listening,” Fromm argues “is an art like the understanding of poetry” and, like any art, has its own rules and norms. Drawing on his half-century practice as a therapist,... Continue Reading
I believe the intent of Reconciliation as taught in the Christian Church is to be restorative —returning the individual to God, and if necessary, to a right relationship to their community, their world, and to their truest and best selves. “Confessing” what we have done wrong is an important first step, but true repair and restoration take much more than... Continue Reading
Only with a single-minded attention to Christ can we give up our fears and face our own true nature. As we come to realize that it is not we who live, but Christ who lives in us, that he is our true self, we can begin to experience freedom as children of God–Henri Nouwen Every one of us is shadowed... Continue Reading
How do members actually think about major changes in the church? The “prospect theory” from behavioral economics can provide some insights. The prospect theory argues that most individuals do not weigh decisions objectively, rather, they are influenced by whether they think they have something to gain or something to lose. For instance, in a classic experiment researchers asked one group... Continue Reading
I’ve always found it ironic that the church is so resistant to change. The first words out of Jesus’ mouth when he began his public ministry was “repent,” “be transformed,” or “change” (Matthew 4:17). Further, the Christ story is an archetype for how God is changing all things through the pattern of life, death, and new life. Jesus went on... Continue Reading
Our lives, our churches, and our businesses are being influenced by an increasing number of complex political, social, and economic forces every day. The stakes are higher and how we navigate the changes associated with these complex forces is more important than ever. There are many theories and practices of change leadership and management that can prove helpful in times... Continue Reading
Christian Mysticism is a complex spiritual topic and defies easy definition. Historically, mysticism is defined as hidden, unspeakable, can’t be put into words, an awareness and experience of the reality of God beyond ritual, doctrine, and dogma. Alan Watts (1915–1973), a British philosopher, put it this way: “The truth that religion, to be of any use, must be mystical has... Continue Reading
If Western Christianity does not discover its mystical foundations and roots, we might as well close the church doors–Rahner In the early 1960s, Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner (1904-1984) stated that if Western Christianity did not rediscover its mystical foundations, we might as well close the doors of the churches because we had lost the primary reason for our existence and... Continue Reading
Have you heard the story of the Russian Pilgrim and the Jesus Prayer told in the “Way of the Pilgrim”? It’s a heart-warming and unforgettable story of how God brought healing and transformation to a lonely, depressed man. His amazing story begins this way: Born From A Desire To “Pray Without Ceasing” One day in the early 1800’s a poor young... Continue Reading
One of the characteristics of Christian contemplative spirituality is a humble acknowledgement that we do not understand the ground on which we stand, and yet have a child-like faith that God is present in every moment. It is out of this awareness that Thomas Merton shared this prayer in his book, “Through The Year With Thomas Merton.” My Lord God,... Continue Reading
It is safe to say that unless we are committed and faithful to some form of prayer we will most likely never experience transformation. In the Christian tradition, spiritual reading, meditation and contemplation are aspects of a prayer life committed to the process of self-transformation. And, as we shall see, these three forms of prayer are interconnected. What Is Spiritual... Continue Reading
Lately there’s been a lot of talk about which approaches we should use to address problematic behavior and oppressive systems and beliefs in our churches, schools, institutions, government, and especially in our online communities – and two options people have come up with are calling in and calling out. Let’s take a look at each approach and how they can... Continue Reading
Jim is a Church Organizational Leadership and Management Coach, Consultant and Trainer. Throughout his career Jim has demonstrated a passion for showing Pastors and Ministers how to use organizational tools for church and personal growth and health.
More About Jim“For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:5