My hour with the Spiritual Formation class–a diverse group, ages, backgrounds, professions–was actually a delightful experience. And I know Deb’s presentation of the Enneagram was great…many comments.
I talked about Benedictine spirituality and mindfulness, and on spiritual disciplines. I was encouraged by the reception and the questions.
One question–a hard one–was whether I thought my spiritual formation, my Benedictine path, was making me a better person.
How do I measure that? I did find something like an answer. In 1984, when I began volunteering in Edmonton’s inner city, I was out to save people…but I didn’t really see people. Today, that agenda is gone. I can no longer fathom seeing people as ministry opportunities. I see them, like I see myself, simply and profoundly human, trying to make sense of this world and our place in it.
To a certain sectarian view of Christianity I have lost my way. I think I’m finding it.
Thank you Briercrest Seminary and everyone in the Formation class. (For anyone interested in references or whatever, I’ve posted my presentation in the Benedictine Journey page.)
Technorati Tags: Briercrest, Missionary or Mission Field, Benedictine Path, Christianity, Spiritual Formation
I think we need to balance both views. On one had you are saved or not, on the other we all are sinners. At least that is how I go about my missions work. I know some people are lost, and I will present the gospel to them 1000 times, but my goal is not to save them (only God can do that) it is to share the answer I have found to the questions they are asking and then pray that what I said does not lead them further away from God.