We all have stories that we tell about ourselves – our lives, our families, our past, our present, and maybe even about our future. These stories shape our behaviours in the present moment and are, without a doubt, shaping the course of our lives. As someone who not too long ago invested significant hours of … More Our Narratives
Twice in 18 years of my ministry, I’ve had a powerful ‘encounter’ with Christ in a very particular way. Both times, it has been reminiscent of an Old Testament ‘appearance’ of Christ to Joshua – a ‘Christophony’. I’ve only recently had a similar ‘vision’, yet again – recurring theme! In Joshua 5, as Joshua is preparing … More Commander of the Lord’s army…
I was trying to think, the other day, of the 10 non-fiction books that I’d say have been the most influential, or that I love most, and so thought I’d list them here. It should really go without saying that the Bible is one of them, so I haven’t included that in the Top Ten. … More Most influential books so far…
Publisher: IVP, 2014. Pages: 175 Rating: 3.5/5 Review: I’ve read a few of Tim Chester’s books over the years, mainly on mission and church life. This very readable volume on prayer was well worth the read. His writing is always thoroughly saturated in scriptural references, and this book is no exception. With Chester coming from … More Book Review: ‘You Can Pray’ by Tim Chester
The question ‘what is on your heart?’ is another lovely opening question I might use at the beginning of a spiritual direction session or a pastoral conversation. It is an invitation to explore longing, frustration, sadness, joy, gratitude, hopes, aspirations…whatever it is our current experience is. If I were to answer it, at this point … More What is on your heart?
The practice of Spiritual Direction, as classically understood, is a process of being attentive to the movements of God within the heart of the believer. That’s my definition of it, at least. It is a privilege to do it alongside others, but it has been an invaluable gift in my own experience too. The shift … More Soul Work
I came at Lent a little unprepared this year, coming as it did in the half-term week that I’d set aside for completing my Masters Dissertation. I duly got the first draft into a decent recognisable shape that I’ll visit again before sending, to add bits here and there, but because of it, arrived at … More Lent 2018!
Let me take you back. Maybe it’s the late 90s. I’m a teenager and I’m sitting at my place in the band at the Salvation Army hall. It has been a great meeting. Songs of celebration, worship, prayer, praise, testimony, and the Captain has just preached. He’s preached about the intimacy of God, perhaps; about … More Expectant Encounter…
When I explain my rather long-winded dissertation title that I’m currently working on, 9 times out of 10 I can see the eyes glazing over. It doesn’t sound particularly jazzy or sexy. Phrases like ‘critical discussion’, ‘contemporary monastic mission’, ‘societal engagement’, and ‘The Benedict Option’ don’t necessarily grab you. But let me tell you what … More Sinking the Ark…
Having reflected on the process and patterns of discipleship yesterday, I guess in a way I didn’t get to the heart of my real reflections on the matter. I see that the reason I was intentionally discipled by some good people in my early days walking with Jesus wasn’t simply the culture of discipleship, however … More The Heart of it…
Andrew S M Clark 