Spiritual Practices in Community: Drawing Groups into the Heart of God

Product Description

Diana Shiflett has been leading groups of all descriptions in spiritual practices for many years, and she understands the difficulties involved: the potential for awkwardness and self-doubt, the nagging question of whether anyone’s getting anything out of this at all. But more than that, she understands the value of spiritual practices: their deep roots in the history and worship of God’s people, and their ability to calm our distracted minds and hearts so we are ready to hear the voice of Jesus. In this personal, hands-on guide, Shiflett walks us through a wide array of spiritual practices, from communal silence and Scripture meditation to active prayer and corporate discernment. She proves a reliable guide, offering step-by-step instructions, pointing out hazards and pitfalls, and sharing her own experiences with honesty and humor. With this book as a guide, these spiritual practices can become life-giving resources in your ministry setting for years to come.

Review

”
Spiritual Practices in Community is a gift to leaders and to the church. With conversational, practical, and down-to-earth wisdom, Diana Shiflett provides a guide for facilitating the practice of ancient and contemporary spiritual disciplines, inviting us to drink deeply from the well of living water together. An experienced leader and pastor, Diana is passionate about helping ministry leaders attend to their own walk with God so they are better equipped to provide space for others to encounter him. I’m grateful for this refreshing and creative spiritual formation resource!” (Sharon Garlough Brown, retreat speaker, author of the Sensible Shoes series)

“This is the best how-to resource I know for those who are responsible for guiding others into a deeper experience of the Christian life. The author gives practical step by step instructions on how to lead others (and even yourself) in over thirty spiritual practices in multiple settings and age groups. The book can be used in board meetings, staff meetings, worship services, small groups, children’s, youth, and intergenerational ministries, camps, conferences, personal devotions, or even around the dinner table!” (Bradley Nassif, North Park University, author of Bringing Jesus to the Desert)

“Christian growth is not a solo occupation. It is a partnership between the body of Christ (that’s you
and me) and the Spirit of Christ. The strength of that partnership develops with practice. And this practice, like other practices, can be a team effort. Shiflett highlights how disciplines practiced in community with conversation, questioning, listening, and reflection shape our relationship to God, self, and others. Shiflett is a trustworthy and practical guide. Working from hands-on experience she provides step by step ways to practice spiritual transformation with others.” (Adele Calhoun, copastor of spiritual formation, Highrock, Arlington)

“As an introvert, I’m constantly amazed at how doing spiritual practices in community is so transforming and so rarely offered. Thank you, Diana, for your excellent coaching and practical ideas!” (Jan Johnson, author of Meeting God in Scripture and Abundant Simplicity)

“Over the years we’ve learned that spiritual development happens best in relationship―in communion with God together in community. So the focus of this book about encountering God together is exactly what we need in our day. We believe God is inviting leaders to live in divine fullness and others to enjoy this abundant refreshment together. We hope you’ll let her very practical book guide you on that very fruitful journey.” (Alan Fadling and Gem Fadling, founders, Unhurried Living Inc.)

”
Spiritual Practices in Community is an excellent tool for every Christian leader who wants to see people grow in Christ. Pastor Diana Shiflett not only offers engaging experiences to use but also provides the practical guidelines tempered with the voice of wisdom and experience to guide the user. I found