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, arguing that contemplation is a deeply biblical, historically Protestant way of life with God rather than an exotic or suspect import. Key Facts: Edit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

The ability to be still before God is more than a luxury—it is essential for spiritual growth. Contemplative prayer offers a pathway to...

Here are questions that could guide our discussion on Advent, the church calendar, and spiritual formation.  You can choose what you are...

From Advent to Pentecost, the Church calendar offers a rhythmic approach to Christian life that deeply enriches personal and corporate...

Conducting a retreat to develop a Rule of Life for pastoral staff, spouses, and ministry leadership is crucial for fostering spiritual...