Prayer as Groaning

One would think, being in a program called Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, your prayer life would flourish. It's actually the opposite. It seems that right now Keri and I are asking a lot more critical questions about prayer and how it "works" in our Christian walk.

Sometimes this leads to frustration in our own walks with God. Oh, we want to be so committed, and would like to direct souls into a perfect Christian life. The truth is though, that Christians, just like anyone else, are very messy people. As a couple and individuals, we are at times messy, distracted, unreliable, confused, doubt-filled, immature, irrational, fearful, complain-y and tired. And, with Jesus' death and resurrection in view, this is where prayer must begin.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit,groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies...

Care for my Soul!

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who is "listening" to you share hardships in your life and all they say is, "I'm so sorry. I hope things get better. See you later!" or a simple "I'll be praying for you," and never follow up? Do you ever wish that someone would want to care about you more? Or do you wonder if people are even capable of caring for you in the way you desire to be cared for, deep down in your heart? We will be discussing these questions throughout this semester as we study the history & theory of "Soul Care" in the church. There is a potential for us to care for and be cared for by others, as we will see throughout history. We were created to be cared in the deepest parts of our hearts and God has given us the capacity to help bear one another's burdens as we point people to Jesus. This is great news and hope for our lonely and tender hearts that desire to be known!

History & Theory of Christian SoulCare & Direction

This class is "an introduction to the history and theory of spiritual soul care, mentoring and direction from a biblical experimental and psychological perspective. Specific focus is on assisting others in deepening their relationship with God through increased sensitivity and responsiveness to the Holy Spirits' presence and work in all areas of life (including the common and ordinary). Attention is also given to understanding the personal dynamics at work within and between the director and directee and the role of spiritual guidance within the broader context of pastoral care and mentoring as well as in the more specific discipline of spiritual direction."

Books

            

How are our human spirits formed?

Have you ever wondered how things around us influence our behaviors, thoughts, heart, will? Have you ever stopped to wonder how things shaped you as a kid without your own choice in the matter? If our human spirits are significantly formed when we are kids, is there hope for change? If there is hope for change, what does that process look like? We will be answering these questions this semester as we study how our little selves were formed and the training, and RE-training, that can take place for further growth in life.

Christian Virtue & the Spiritual Disciplines

An introduction to the relationship of ethics/virtue and the formation of the self. Emphasis upon the impact of one's early relational history and training as well as true Christian training. Included in this is the relationship of the spiritual disciplines as a means of the training of spiritual growth into the image of Christ. 

Books

                 

Do I really know God?

Have you ever wondered if you really know God? Have you ever stopped to think, "Is this just my parent's faith? Or am I just accepting what my church has taught me without wondering what I think is true?" Can we simply live a life based on other's study of the Bible and God? Is it important for me to think about my own methods of coming to conclusions about who God is for my own walk with God? How do I know which method to use? How do I allow both general and specific revelation inform my beliefs about God? Our class will be addressing these questions as we dive into the process of how we come to right beliefs and conclusions about God and how these beliefs inform our behaviors.

We will be taking 3 Classes this Semester. Here is our first class:

Theology 1: Introduction- Revelation & Nature of God

We will be studying the nature, method, and rationale of Christian Theology. Revelation, both general and special, inspiration, canonicity and illumination of Scripture. The doctrine of God, including His existence, attributes and Trinitarian nature.

Books

         

We're back! Summer Review :)

Welp, school is back in and summer just ended, which means we are back to posting. We thought we would share with you all some summer highlights. God has really given us rest this summer, as we took a break from school, as well as energy for some fun adventures. Stay tuned for our 3 posts on classes we will be taking beginning with "Do I really know God?" for those of you who would like to journey with us as we process and dialogue our classes this Fall.

We got to be there in Idaho to celebrate!!!!

Jono proposed to Erin in June!