Quest for Spiritual Community: Reclaiming Spiritual Guidance for Contemporary Congregations

by Angela H. Reed

Many churches recognize the importance of the genuine spiritual hunger in our time and are attempting to bridge the gulf between traditional religious institutions and the contemporary spiritual quest by revitalizing and retooling ancient spiritual practices. This book suggests that it is possible to relish the spiritual quest while honoring tradition and theological inquiry through practices such as spiritual guidance. It presents a sociological analysis of contemporary spirituality, case studies of congregations with spiritual guidance ministries, and reflection on historical practices and Protestant theological roots to explore the strengths and pitfalls of nurturing the contemporary spiritual quest in the average congregation. The resulting vision for congregation-based spiritual guidance incorporates practices that attend to person, community, and mission.

Genres: Christian

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2011

About the author

Angela H. Reed (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of practical theology and director of spiritual formation at Truett Theological Seminary, in Waco, Texas.

Reviews

[Caitlin Grammel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book. The examples of the Apostle Paul, Dietrich Bonhoeffer,Julian or Norwich, Susanna Wesley. Also, the example of the women at the beginning and ideas of dwelling spirituality, seeker spirituality, etc. Spiritual guidance is about seeing where Jesus is working and joining in that!

[Brian Miller]

Good work here thinking about how to cultivate spiritual community within congregations where systems and embedded patterns can dominate the life of contemporary congregations.