Christos Formation Network:
Guiding Churches in Spiritual Formation
Christos Formation Network: Helping Churches with Spiritual Formation
A group of Christos Center leaders, who are experienced at helping congregations develop programs and processes for spiritual formation, is available to work with churches. This network can advise leaders, teach classes, and lead retreats. Individuals in this network can work with church leadership to discern what the Spirit of God is doing in a given congregation.
Several people in this network are current or retired pastors who have experience in congregational spiritual formation. All in this group have graduated from congregational leadership or spiritual direction programs, and all have been on a spiritual journey for many years.
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The Formation Network Offers:
- Ways to notice what the Spirit of God is already doing--Rather than just trying harder.
- Help that allows the individual leader to rely on the Spirit's energy--Rather than being over-responsible or giving up.
- Approaches that help the leadership team listen to God--Rather than copying some canned program.
- Methods for paying attention to God in the local congregation--Rather than envying what is going on elsewhere.
Specifically, Individuals in this Network Can:
- Conduct visioning meetings for church staff/council.
- Work with church leadership to discern what God is doing in a congregation.
- Conduct classes to introduce people to the practice of listening to God.
- Lead Lenten or Advent programs.
- Conduct retreats for church staff/council.
- Preach sermons and process afterward.
The Possible Outcomes of Using this Network:
- Pastors and congregational leaders find new sources of energy.
- Congregations find their own unique path to nurture spiritual growth, a central concern to many seeking a faith community.
- Congregations learn how to re-discover the energy of the Spirit, which can ultimately lead to transformation.
For Those Outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota Area:
The Christos Formation Network can work with individuals and churches anywhere in the world. Options include personal visits and communication via the Internet or telephone.
What Church Leaders have said about Christos Center:
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"The center is able to bring a perspective on spiritual leadership and spiritual growth that is not generally available from seminaries or denominational offices"
Bradley P. Holt, Professor of Religion, Augsburg College, Author of Thirsty For God
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"Christos has gathered a gifted faculty with long experience in encouraging and supporting individual and congregational spiritual formation. The faculty embodies a graced denominational breadth and range of experience"
Jeannette A. Bakke, Author of Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction, Bethel Seminary Professor, Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader
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"I gladly refer people to this program"
Gary Gleason, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
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"We highly recommend the Christos materials to you"
Keith Meyer, Executive Pastor, Church of the Open Door
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Faculty
John Ackerman: Presbyterian Pastor, spiritual director, teacher at local, regional, and national events. Author of two books on spiritual formation in congregations. Masters Degree in Spiritual Direction from General Episcopal Seminary, Ignatian training.
Richard Beckmen: Lutheran Pastor, spiritual director, speaker at seminaries and conferences. Executive, Order of St. Luke, Author of many books and articles. Certificate in Spiritual Direction from The Benedictine Center in Pecos, NM.
David Butler: Presbyterian Pastor for 19 years in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. D. Min from McCormick Seminary, Graduate of Christos Congregational Program.
LaDonna Olson: Minister of Music, spiritual director, Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Christos Center, seminary student, graduate of Christos Congregational Program.
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Resources for Spiritual Formation in Congregations:
Spiritual Energy in Transformation
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, E-MAIL John Ackerman: ackerman@visi.com
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