Faith in Jesus relationally connected us with
the Trinity; we are connected not only relationally but socially. As Christian believers
our prime social connecting to God is a social-spirituality. One to be explored,
nurtured, and developed. Our social-spirituality engages in a relational faith
development throughout the whole lifetime. The developing of a social-relationship
with God as person and Trinity, oneself, significant others; includes “dynamic
connection to identifiable Christian faith-community.” Christian spirituality
is a social behaviour.
Christian spirituality’s social behaviors have
both an internal and external sociality . . .
- Some formed and function operationally as internal interactions or social relationships with God as indwelling person and presence . . .
- Others as externally interactive relationships with others both within one’s Christian communities of contemporary experience and connectedness with broader society
Two Spiritual Disciples enabling holistic
formation of Christian spirituality’s social behaviors . . .
“The Discipline of Christian Community” is the active and intentional practice of
believers connecting with each other in authentic and loving ways that
encourage growth in Christ; engaging in transparent relationships which
cultivate, celebrate and make evident Christ's love for the entire world.
“Discipline
of Christian Community” practice
includes . . .
- Practicing the biblical "one anothers" (see link below)
- Cultivating authentic relationships that connect you to God and His plan to serve and love this world
- Exercising your gifts in fellowship with others
- Engaging in hospitality that promotes honest sharing and caring
- Participating in a small group or covenant group
- Sharing life with an accountability partner or prayer partner
- Engaging in mission with others
“The Discipline of Spiritual Friendship” involves cultivating a covenant friendship
where I can naturally share about my life with God. It is grounded in
relationship to God and a commitment to support, encourage, and pray for one
another.
“Discipline
of Spiritual Friendship” practice
includes . . .
- Journeying with another so you mutually grow in faith, hope and love
- Covenanting to pray for and receiving one another in love
- Playing together and praying together
- Knowing another well enough to be a support, encouragement and word of God to them
- Developing a healthy, interdependent friendship that encourages and grows the soul
- Inviting a friend into the journey of recognizing your blind spots
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual
Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us. Downers Grove, Ill.:
InterVarsity Press, 2005, p.129-131,151-154.
John C. Douglas, "The Effectiveness of a
Rule of Life as Growth Processing Framework in the Development of New Zealand
Evangelical Church Leaders’ Spiritual Discipline Behaviors (Project
Draft)." doctoral dissertation, Denver Seminary 2013, p.28-31.
From SSPP Seminar session #4
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