Contemplative Action Groups for Grand Canyon Synod pastors
Contemplative Action Groups for The Grand Canyon Synod
CLU / PLTS - Thriving Leadership Formation Program
Discerning Your Call in Community
“Let each of you lead the life…to which God called you.
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In a time of great institutional transition and cultural turbulence, Contemplative Action Groups seek to provide a compassionate, creative, and engaging space for church leaders to explore the unique way they are being called to live out the Christian life. Contemplative Action Groups provide spiritual growth, accountability, and discernment to congregational leaders who seek greater clarity and depth within their personal and public life. Each group meets for twelve, 60 - 90 minute sessions within a facilitated covenant group. Leaders who participate in the program will receive:
Regular space for rest, prayer, and friendship
A safe place to explore personal growth and healing
A community of care and accountability for living out one’s vocation
Spiritual practices that can be integrated within daily life
A contemplative space for discerning compassionate action
Support in responding to God’s presence, call, and activity in the world
The Practice of Relationship
Christianity, as Jesus revealed, is the practice of relationship. Love God. Love others (including difficult others). Love yourself. At a fundamental level, Contemplative Action Groups are a process to help participants become rooted and grounded in relationship. Meetings invite participants to withdraw from the roles and routines of daily life in order to pray, share, deeply listen, engage in spiritual practice, and discern the presence and activity of God. The hope is that within the safety of these covenant communities, participants might discover a supportive place to reflect on their lives and the particular contexts in which they serve.
Our plan is to invite “actively serving” Pastors of the Grand Canyon Synod to participate in this first Contemplative Action Group (which we hope to begin Thursday, January 28th at a time that is conducive to the group. They would then meet every other Thursday for a total of twelve sessions until July 2nd. Participants will be asked to share their experience in a post-group survey that will help Cal Lutheran University and PLTS (Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary ) assess if this type of resource would be valuable to Rostered and Lay Leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod on an ongoing basis. If you are interested in joining this Contemplative Action Group, please email Pastor Brent Maxwell: desertmax@msn.com or visit: thrivingleadershipformation.org for more information.
