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Called to Flourish: Stories of Transformation
Formation rarely happens all at once. More often, it unfolds through faithful listening, intentional practice, and companions who help us recognize God's voice along the way. We're sharing stories from four spiritual directors in training–Dr. Jon Dahlager, Angela McCullough, Kathryn Garner, and Dr. Curtis Pryor–whose journeys offer a glimpse into the transformative work God is doing through our Spiritual Direction Certificate. Their reflections remind us that spiritual direct
Stephanie Smith
5 days ago4 min read
Sabbatical: Why, When, and How?
Ministers, missionaries, and marketplace leaders are often driven by a deep sense of calling. The very passion that fuels fruitful service can also lead to exhaustion if not stewarded wisely. A sabbatical is not an escape from ministry or vocation; it is a strategic and spiritual investment in long-term faithfulness. Why Take a Sabbatical? Scripture reveals a rhythm of work and rest woven into creation itself. God rested on the seventh day, not because He was weary, but becau
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Jun 152 min read
Addressing Clergy Burnout: Solutions for Preventing Pastoral Burnout
Burnout in ministry is real. It sneaks up quietly, like a shadow at dusk, and before you know it, the flame that once burned bright feels more like a flicker. I’ve been there, and I know many who have walked that path. The good news? There are practical, effective ways to keep that flame alive and thriving. Let’s dive into some solutions for addressing clergy burnout that can help you stay energized, focused, and fulfilled in your calling. Recognizing the Signs of Burnout Ear
info465189
May 113 min read
Book Review: Holy Listening
Margaret Guenther’s Holy Listening remains one of the most accessible and pastorally rich introductions to the sacred practice of spiritual direction.
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
May 83 min read
Is It Time for You to Become a Spiritual Director?
In a world marked by noise, speed, and spiritual fragmentation, the quiet ministry of spiritual direction is more needed than ever. But the question remains: Is it time for you to become a spiritual director?
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
May 82 min read
Become a Spiritual Director: Earn Your Certificate in Spiritual Direction
In a ministry landscape marked by increasing demands, complexity, and fatigue, spiritual direction offers a sacred, steadying space. It is a place of holy listening—where ministers, missionaries, and believers learn to attend to the voice and movement of God in their lives.
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
May 82 min read
Book Review: Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice
Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice Embracing Contemplation: Reclaiming a Christian Spiritual Practice is an edited Christian spirituality book from IVP Academic, compiled by John H. Coe and Kyle C. Strobel. It explores how contemplative spirituality fits within evangelical theology and practice. The authors argue that contemplation is a deeply biblical, historically Protestant way of life with God, rather than an exotic or suspect import. Key F
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Mar 63 min read
Spiritual Direction: Earn Your Certificate in Spiritual Direction
In a ministry landscape marked by increasing demands, complexity, and fatigue, spiritual direction offers a sacred, steadying space. It is a place of holy listening—where ministers, missionaries, and believers learn to attend to the voice and movement of God in their lives. The Certificate in Spiritual Direction, a collaborative program between the Institute for Ministerial Wholeness and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary , is designed to equip Christian leaders with
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Mar 61 min read
Why Becoming a Spiritual Director Transforms Lives: Ours and Others
Dr. Mark Hausfeld, Director of the Institute for Ministerial Wholeness Becoming a spiritual director is more than learning to guide others in prayer—it is entering a lifelong journey of transformation. It is not simply acquiring skills, mastering questions, or understanding classic spiritual writers. At its heart, spiritual direction is about becoming a certain kind of person: one who listens deeply, discerns carefully, and walks humbly with God and others. In the sacred spac
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Mar 32 min read
Book Review: The Body Teaches the Soul
By Justin Whitmel Earley — Zondervan, 2025 In an age of chronic busyness and digital overwhelm, it’s easy to understand spiritual life as something that happens only in the mind or heart—when in fact, our bodies are deeply involved in how we connect with God, others, and our own souls. In The Body Teaches the Soul , author and speaker Justin Whitmel Earley offers a deeply engaging and biblically grounded invitation to recognize how everyday habits shape not just our physical
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Feb 12 min read
Book Review: A Little Theology of Exercise
by David Mathis — Crossway, 2025 In a culture increasingly dominated by screens, convenience, and sedentary lifestyles, Christians often find themselves passively drifting through life—physically inactive and spiritually distracted. In A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul , pastor and author David Mathis offers a gracious, theologically grounded invitation to re-envision exercise not as a secular pursuit of aesthetics, but as a Christian practice t
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Feb 12 min read
Book Review: What Your Body Knows About God
By Rob Moll — IVP Press, 2014 In What Your Body Knows About God , author and spiritual director Rob Moll offers a thoughtful and refreshing exploration of how our physical bodies play a vital role in spiritual life. Far from seeing the body as merely a vessel for the soul, Moll invites readers to rediscover their incarnate selves—to listen to what the body already knows about God, relationships, and flourishing. At its core, this book is an invitation to embodied Christiani
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Feb 12 min read
Our Body: The Vessel of Our Calling
Our body is how we carry our calling. Whether we serve as ministers, missionaries, or labor faithfully in the marketplace, our physical health matters deeply if we are to fulfill God’s plans and purposes through our lives. Stewardship of the body is not optional or secondary—it is integral to faithful discipleship. Too often, the Church has unintentionally separated spiritual life from physical life, as if devotion to God happens only in prayer, Scripture, or worship, while t
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Feb 12 min read
Spiritual Direction Training Cohorts
The Institute for Ministerial Wholeness , in partnership with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary , is launching its second Spiritual Direction Certificate cohort on March 12-14, 2026 . This groundbreaking three-year, cohort-based program—offered online and in person—equips pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders to cultivate deep listening, discernment, and spiritual accompaniment. Rooted in Scripture and historic Christian practice, the certificate integrates t
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Dec 5, 20252 min read
Advent: How Seasonal Rhythms Recalibrate Our Hearts
Moses walked with God in humility and face-to-face intimacy. His prayer in Psalm 90:12 captures the heart of why embracing rhythms of the church calendar matters in our spiritual formation: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Spiritual formation requires intentionality and commitment to the habits which foster growth and change—and change takes time. In our fast-moving lives, a disordered relationship with time often keeps us from engaging in pr
Stephanie Smith
Nov 8, 20252 min read
Resources for Advent
Advent invites us to slow down and enter a season of waiting and longing. To help us engage in this meaningful time of anticipation, we've gathered a few recommended resources. From devotionals to practices that follow the rhythms of the church calendar, Advent offers an opportunity to journey through the Christmas season with renewed hope, peace, joy, and love. Advent devotionals: Let the Weary World Rejoice by Dr. Gail Johnsen Everyday Gospel Christmas Devotional by Paul D
info465189
Nov 6, 20251 min read
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction Launches First Cohort!
The Institute for Ministerial Wholeness launched its inaugural Certificate in Spiritual Direction in partnership with Assemblies of God Theological Seminary this fall. The first cohort gathered with deep hunger to grow in attentive listening to the Holy Spirit and others. The opening class exceeded expectations—rich in prayer, community, and learning rooted in Scripture and spiritual tradition.
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Nov 5, 20252 min read
Books Reviews about El Camino to Help You Prepare for Your Journey
Annotated Bibliography: Christian Pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago
info465189
Oct 19, 20252 min read
Why Have Christian Pilgrimage as a Yearly Spiritual Formation Rhythm?
Christian pilgrimage invites believers to step away from the familiar and walk with intentionality toward deeper communion with God....Pilgrimage is not an escape, but formation; a sacred rhythm that shapes us wholly for love, obedience, and mission.
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Oct 13, 20252 min read
SoulTypes: Matching Your Personality and Spiritual Path by Sandra Hirsh & Jane Kise
Grounded in Jungian function-attitude theory, this work offers a well-balanced approach to how psychological types influence spiritual practices. It provides guidance both for personal formation and enriching church life through honoring diverse temperament-driven needs.
Dr. Mark Hausfeld
Sep 1, 20252 min read
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