Writing and Spiritual Formation

In July I took a sabbatical from the pulpit–and from writing–to catch up on my graduate studies, spend some time with my family, minister to my health, and to really seek the Lord for how I should proceed in ministry.

I had been wrestling through some personal issues of vision and direction. Mainly, I felt somewhat unsettled in my calling. I wasn’t sure how my passions for spiritual formation, church planting, writing, and teaching fit together, congruently.

While a cursory look at those things appear to fit together, naturally, I have a tendency to take on too many interesting projects and endeavors that are gospel-related and then become bogged down. What follows is less-than-adequate work on a broader scope.

I wanted to change that, but I wasn’t sure how to narrow my focus for greater depth without giving up all the pursuits I was most passionate about.

The answer came through much prayer and fasting, lots of reading and meditation, testimonies of others who traveled the same journey before me, and getting really honest with myself about my gifts and calling.

Probably, the last one nailed it down for me.

I was trying to minister the way others expected me to and not the way I am wired to minister–which is odd because it was Deja vu of some previous “pleasing people” that snared me.

I guess addictions die hard sometimes.

That being said, here’s the skinny, practically speaking. 

Blog Re-launch

I’ve re-launched my blog. Writing is cathartic for me. It not only helps me sort the jumbled thoughts that cloud my head and heart, it helps me work out my theology. And blogging is a platform for writing where I get feedback and spread ideas.

So I’m back to writing. Next week I will resume posting articles as well as short devotional readings from our study of the book of Romans (Crumbs from our Master’s table). If you are a subscriber, you will continue to receive them via email. If not, you can subscribe here.

If you want to read previous posts in the series, you’ll be able to access the archives at crumbsfromourmasterstable.org soon. (“Crumbs” will not be archived on this site.)

Coram Deo Communitas

On January 5th, I am launching a ministry that reflects my truest passion–spiritual formation and biblical training for kingdom-minded leaders. This is training for teachers, writers, pastors, church planters, etc. Some would see it as an advanced discipleship course or a Bible training institute. While it is both of those, it is also much more. It’s a commitment to life transformation through a shared experience of finding our identity in Jesus Christ.

While I’m in the final stages of putting together the course syllabii and tuition costs, the vision and purpose, along with the scope and sequence of the program is complete.

Here’s a brief snapshot:

The Heart of Coram Deo Communitas

Coram Deo is Latin and means, literally, “in the face of God.”  In application, it expresses the idea that we are called to live daily in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.

Communitas is also Latin.  It means the spirit of community. It is best understood in an anthropological context referring to the life transformation that takes place in a community’s shared experience.  Some examples might be the camaraderie that is cultivated between combat soldiers.  Or, the transformation that takes place in the lives of those who take a mission trip together.  A biblical example would be the life transformation experienced by Jesus’ disciples through their shared ministry and discipleship experience.

The Mission of Coram Deo Communitas

The mission is to equip leaders to think and minister Christocentrically while adequately engaging in “The Great Conversation” of Western culture.

The Structure and Format of Coram Deo Communitas

Coram Deo Communitas is a three-year, shared-life, college-level program orchestrated into 15, eight-week courses. Classes meet for three hours on Sunday evenings. The format is a combination of reading, lectures, peer discussions, writing assignments, and practical ministry. (An online program is potentially in view for later next year.)

The Learning Objectives of Coram Deo Communitas

Every student who satisfactorily completes the program will be able to:

1. Discern Christ’s transformative work in his or her life.
2. Effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in all facets of life.
3. See Christ in his suffering and his glory in the entirety of Scripture.
4. Adequately comprehend and communicate the great themes of the Bible.
5. Converse philosophically and poetically in “The Great Conversation” of the Western Tradition.
6. Learn to properly read, study, and interpret the texts of the Old and New Testaments.
7. Attain a thorough knowledge of classical, medieval, and modern culture.
8. Apply the Christian worldview to his or her leadership, teaching, writing, ministry, job, and life.
9. Understand the classical use of grammar, logic, and rhetoric to communicate truth influentially.
10. Discover his or her significance in Christ and deploy his or her spiritual gifts in meaningful ways.

Coram Deo Communitas launches January 5th, 2014.

Currently, lectures will only be given locally in North Las Vegas. However, I am exploring the possibility of  launching an online program in the fall of 2014.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this opportunity, leave a comment or reply to this email with your name and best contact information.

I’ll keep you posted on the developments over the next couple of weeks.