Movement: A culture of constant personal and corporate growth and improvement is enabled through effective change management, self-development and a leadership pipeline

Steps To Develop A Contemplative Dimension To Church Life

In recent posts we explored the differences between contemplative and evangelical streams of Christianity. Here are several ideas that I think every church can reflect on, and hopefully, implement — as steps the congregation can take to foster a contemplative dimension to their community life. This will not happen overnight (among other things, we have our cultural bias against silence... Continue Reading

Part II: Contemplative-Mystical Christianity Compared to Mainstream-Evangelical Christianity: A Comparison in Language, Emphasis, and Perspective

In our last post we looked at a comparison of the language, emphases and practices between Evangelical Christianity and Contemplative-Mystical Christianity. In this post we share 11 additional comparisons.  I share once again some introductory comments. A Definition Of Each Movement Mainstream Evangelicalism Definition:  A movement within Protestant Christianity maintaining that the essence of the gospel consists in the doctrine... Continue Reading

Contemplative-Mystical Christianity Compared to Mainstream-Evangelical Christianity: A Comparison in Language, Emphasis, and Perspective

In recent years I have come across two types of evangelical Christians who are interested in contemplative-mystical Christianity: Some are actively practicing evangelical Christians in their local church but frustrated by what they perceive as the lack of spiritual nurturing taking place. Often this is expressed as a feeling of being stuck in their spiritual growth and as desire to... Continue Reading

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

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

Two Key Ingredients In Leading Church Change

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

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

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

The Story Behind The Jesus Prayer

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

Spiritual Reading, Meditation, And Contemplation As Prayer

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

The Cross Prayer As A Spiritual Practice For The COVID-19 Crisis

In these days of world-wide suffering and uncertainty, consider gazing upon the cross of Jesus Christ and letting its depth of meaning and symbolism evoke questions to ponder, pray, and reflect upon. The Symbolism of the Cross From early Christians to today, the cross has symbolized the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His sufferings and subsequent death and resurrection. Over the... Continue Reading

The Welcoming Prayer As A Spiritual Practice For The COVID-19 Crisis

These are indeed extraordinary times we are living through. The COVID-19 Crisis and the constant media coverage has created an air of anxiety we all are breathing. And, our bodies are carrying this stress and palpable sense of dread whether we realize it or not. The Welcoming Prayer is a contemplative practice that can help sustain you through these uncertain... Continue Reading

Lamentation, A Spiritual Practice For The COVID-19 Crisis

Responding well to the Coronavirus demands spiritual resilience. Father Richard Rhor reminds us that one practice Christianity has developed over the centuries to nurture resilience is “lamentation.” Prayers of lamentation arise in us when we speak to God and one another about how stunned, sad, and silenced we are by the tragedy of human events, such as the COVID-19 Crisis.... Continue Reading