Next few chapters

Chapter 3, I experienced discipleship in the context of an Anabaptist--Sect Type of Faith Community. Share your discipleship experience with characteristics of either Sect or Church, or possibly a blend as depicted in the Wesleyan Model in the text. What were the strengths and weaknesses in your Faith Community's spiritual direction process.

I grew up in a number of denominations, First Church of God, Charistmatic, and evangelism was very strong. Then my father joined the Nazareen church which seemed to focus on holiness, and finnaly I joined the Mennonite Church which has a number of strenghts: simplicity, doing good works and working for peace and justice. Faithful to the words of Jesus as taught in the Sermon on the Mount and their non-violent stands. Sanctity of life is preached and practiced and that is why mennonites do not believe in the death penalty nor do they enlist in the army or go to war Although much is taught and experienced, faith is both an individual as well as a community affair. Discipleship depended on both what is taught in the home as well as in church. There is a big emphasis on "you shall know them by their fruit" and Christians are to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, longsuffering etc. Humility is a big aspect to the point that no one talks much about their spiritual growth, they are suppose to demonstrate this with actions. Stwewarship of money and being fruigal is part of the simplicity and part of the belief that God own everything, we are but mear stewards of God's world. Weakness is that at time, and in some circles, the idea of peace is persued more than seeking after God.

Chapter 4, Reflect upon the spiritual direction technique demonstrated by the Desert Fathers in name and release the distractions in contemplation (p. 119). Post after you have practiced this technique during your personal formation such as a Lectio Divina.
Henre Newan is one of my favorite authers as he discusses various spiritual disciplines that help us from distractions: solitude and silence which lead to comtemplation and prayer. I tried Lectio Divina with a one-on-one , this week, as we read a psalm and she shared what God through the Holy Spirit said to her. We have also tried this both in bible study and in the Women's sunday school time. Praying before reading and scripture and then reading it slowly to see what God is hightlighting for us. With silence a personal discipline I have been practicing is turning off the radeo on long trips and asking God to speak in this time of quiet. Especailly since I drive a lot and by myself. I have heard messages come loud and clear in songs and choruses that keep on ringing in my ear, and so I listen to the words and allow God minister to me in the sancturay of my car. I have only done one silent retreat but I do like do more of this. I also like to go to the women's retreat every year as a time to get away from daily choires and listen to God.

Chapter 5, Select one spiritual mode that you feel called to practice. Don't push your self, allow your self to feel at ease and relaxed in God's presence. Post your reflections on this experience.

Prayer is the one that seems to come easy. The one I would like to develop is becomming a better story teller. One my husband and i are looking at for the future (3 years) after he retires is missions. Pray that God would show us the needs of others.

Chapter 6, Select an aphorism that connects with your journey. Post a reflection.

Each morning, a new person arises..and "Be open to interuuptions as the knocking of God." both taken form the part entitled, The Christian Life. God gives us a new beginning, every morning, with a beautiful sunrise, and new breath of air to breath and a fresh start at a new day PTL. As I am trying to practice God's presence, it is wonderful to be reminded that even in routine, an interruption might just be what God is calling me to pay attention to. To a task oriented person, this is a good reminder to look for opportunitites of the Holy Spirit's nudging and moving.

Chapter 7, Envision and describe a model of spiritual direction that release renewal in your congregation. How does this model reflect a biblical pattern?

Chapter seven talks about descipleship and gives the clergy or pastor as the primal Catalyst. a list of qualities of a spiritual director are then listed on page 226. Training of lay leaders is needed.
In our own congregation I do see that small group would be the place to start asking "How is your soul?" like the house church model. Reading scipture corporate lectio divina, is read aloud and allowing the Holy Spirit to move in people's lives. a time of sharing and praying together and then growing in faith.