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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 72 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 61 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.

Mark Hausfeld
Nov 52 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 192 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.

Mark Hausfeld
Oct 132 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.

Mark Hausfeld
Sep 12 min read


Personality and Spiritual Formation: Growing as Unique Disciples in Community
Understanding our personality is essential in spiritual formation. God created each of us uniquely, shaping how we best connect with Him and grow in Christlikeness. Some practices—like silence, study, prayer, or service—may resonate more deeply depending on our temperament and wiring.

Mark Hausfeld
Sep 12 min read


Three Gateways to Moral Failure: Lust. Division. Anger. One Path to Wholeness: Spiritual Direction.
Moral failure doesn't happen overnight. It builds—slowly, subtly—through open doors and unguarded moments. Most Christians don't fall all...

Mark Hausfeld
Jul 303 min read


Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction by Margaret Guenther
What makes this book so enduring is its tone. Guenther doesn’t write like someone delivering spiritual advice from on high. Instead, she...

Mark Hausfeld
Jul 302 min read


Contemplative Prayer for Pentecostal Discernment in an Age of Confusion
Introduction We live in what many describe as an "age of confusion"—a season marked by deep fragmentation across cultural, political,...

Mark Hausfeld
Jul 3027 min read


Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by Henri Nouwen
Henri Nouwen’s Spiritual Direction is a quiet, compelling guide for those seeking to walk more intentionally with God. In this concise...

Mark Hausfeld
Jun 301 min read


The “Apostle’s Diet”? Let’s Talk Discipleship, Not Fads
“I wanted to get back in shape, so I started eating like the apostles. In three months, I went from 180 to 142 pounds.” That’s a clever...

Mark Hausfeld
Jun 302 min read


The Transforming Power of Monthly Spiritual Direction
In our fast-paced, performance-driven culture, the soul often gets left behind. We fill our schedules, manage responsibilities, and even...

Mark Hausfeld
May 291 min read


What to Look for in Choosing a Spiritual Director
Choosing a Spiritual Director is a sacred and personal decision. Since this relationship involves deep vulnerability and spiritual...

Mark Hausfeld
Apr 302 min read


Why Spiritual Direction is Vital for Every Believer's Formation
In the Christian journey, formation into the image of Christ is not a solo endeavor. While personal disciplines like prayer, Scripture...

Mark Hausfeld
Apr 302 min read


Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God by Basil Nortz
In "Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God" , Fr. Basil Nortz delves into the transformative power of silence in...

Mark Hausfeld
Mar 281 min read


Is Contemplative or Centering Prayer Biblical?
In a world filled with noise, the call to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) resonates deeply. Contemplative or Centering...

Mark Hausfeld
Mar 281 min read


Why Practicing Contemplative Prayer is Important to Our Spiritual Formation
The ability to be still before God is more than a luxury—it is essential for spiritual growth. Contemplative prayer offers a pathway to...

Mark Hausfeld
Mar 281 min read


"Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation" by Martin Laird
Martin Laird’s, Into the Silent Land : A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation is a profound and practical exploration of...

Mark Hausfeld
Feb 261 min read


The Neuroscience of Contemplative Prayer: Renewing the Mind Through Spiritual Direction with Contemplative Prayer
Spiritual direction provides a pathway for believers to grow in faith and Contemplative Prayer is a powerful practice that not only...

Mark Hausfeld
Feb 262 min read
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