Holy Conversations: People on spiritual pilgrimage

“ That’s our problem. We just don’t talk about the gospel. If we don’t have that kind of conversation in church, where can we have it?”
( Richard Peace)

Welcome to week one of our discussion on the book Holy Conversations. As the quote above suggests, Richard Peace (the author) noticed a great absence of "Christian witness" within church and decided to do a study that eventually produced the text that we are currently discussing.

Peace states that "Evangelism is a community activity - not a isolated process." If that is the case,what are some ways you have invited, involved, and drawn people to join in your Church community?

If you have been on the receiving end of these kinds of invitations, how were you approached and invited to become a part of a church community?

Robert C. Fuller says this:
A large number of Americans identify themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” It is likely that perhaps one in every five persons (roughly half of all the unchurched) could describe themselves in this way. This phrase probably means different things to different people. The confusion stems from the fact that the words “spiritual” and
“religious” are really synonyms. Both connote belief in a Higher Power of some kind. Both also imply a desire to connect, or enter into a more intense relationship, with this Higher Power. And, finally, both connote interest in rituals, practices, and daily moral behaviors that foster such a connection or relationship.

“There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every (person) which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus”
Blaise Pascal

The good news is that more than ever before, people seem to have a deep desire to talk about God, Angels and things of spiritual significance. So how are we as individual Christians and churches getting involved in this conversation with others?

One challenge in getting involved with such interaction is to personally becoming more comfortable with talking about and listening to others in sharing our stories of faith.

There is an additional challenge when comparing those who connected interest in private spirituality with membership in a public religious group, the "spiritual, but not religious" group was

" ...less likely to evaluate religiousness positively, less likely to engage in traditional forms of worship such as church attendance and prayer, less likely to engage in group experiences related to spiritual growth, more likely to be agnostic, more likely to characterize religiousness and spirituality as different and non-overlapping concepts, more likely to hold nontraditional beliefs, and more likely to have had mystical experiences. Those who see themselves as "spiritual, but not religious. These individuals reject traditional organized religion as the sole-or even the most valuable-means of furthering their spiritual growth. Many have had negative experiences with churches or church leaders. For example, they may have perceived
church leaders as more concerned with building an organization than promoting spirituality, as hypocritical, or as narrow-minded. Some may have experienced various forms of emotional or even sexual abuse."

Therefore, only in authentic, respectful, safe, and established relationships can conversations of faith take place.

So why holy conversations?

People want to talk about God and we need to be a part of that conversation. But we need to have something of substance to contribute to the conversation. We need to resist the habit of “coming across with pious platitudes or canned formulas.”

Christians can “ ...come off as we are trying to sell a product (Jesus) , not ruminating on God. We have an agenda (that they get converted), so we don’t always come across as genuine or fully honest in our conversation.”

“Holy conversation is all about engaging others within the church as well as those beyond the circle of our church. This is why the concept of a “conversation partner” (someone outside of your study group.) is central to the series. Only as we talk through what we are learning with those no yet committed to the gospel do we understand the gospel.”

So as we begin this Holy Conversation, would you be willing to pray to be more open to God about the new "conversation partner" he may be placing or already placed in your life? Some may know who they would like to share this conversation with, while this may seem outlandish or difficult to consider let alone carry out. But at this point, all that is asked is that you begin to pray for that new conversation partner to become more apparent and be willing to be open to the opportunities that present themselves.

Where can holy conversations take place?

The Christian Community:
Church: Joys and Concerns (Prayer time), Small groups.
Fellowship Dinners: Sit with someone new!
Special events: Wellspring Workshops, Community Picnic,
Concerts... (find someone to tell your story
too!
Daily Life: Work, home, school… use your imagination!

Holy Conversations can become a part of daily life with a
little practice.

How holy conversations?

1. In order for meaningful conversations to flourish we need to be
good conversation partners.

2. Meaningful conversation deals with issues of consequence.

3. Meaningful conversation is open-ended. Doesn’t have to issue
a winner and a loser.

4. Meaningful conversation deepens friendship; it doesn’t drive
people apart.

5. Meaningful conversation changes all people involved in the
discussion.

6. In the end, holy conversation is vigorous, ongoing, goodhearted,
Conversation around the whole topic of God and how to bring God
into our lives in a life-changing way.

Holy Conversations is a 12 week small group training.
(this can be adjusted)

Small group structure to allow for discussion and interaction.

Story is very important!

Each session will cover:
A concept (study)
Practice (participation)
Book review at home (journal process/online discussion)
Pray for ways to engage a new Conversation Partner.

This group can be used inside and outside of your church
community. A good place to start is where you are!

We are all on a spiritual journey, so...
Tell a brief story about when God first came alive to you.
Reflect on the stories shared or journaled in your small group.

How did the stories help you make sense out of life?
What stories have you heard that helped you know
That God is alive and active in our lives?

*The stories don’t have to be dramatic, but don’t forget the dramatic ones if you have them.
* Remember stories have a beginning, middle and end.
* Be honest and tell you story like it is!

For our next meeting, please have looked at these notes and focused your journal comments on the "God story" question explained above. Please either write this story in a journal, on the facebook discussion page, your blog or on your own computer.

Thank you for participating in Holy Conversations. I hope it is an great time of sharing and growth for all involved.

Thanks to Dr. Richard Peace for his support and interaction with us on this leg of Holy Conversations.