I follow discipleship pt 2

iFollow Discipleship Pt 2

Lectio Divina....

Pastor Ryan Bell

Vervent

Pastor Ryan Bell

Jon Dybdahl’s contemplative propensities are strongly presented in his 2008 book, Hunger:

Satisfying the Longing of Your Soul. In Hunger, Dybdahl favorably instructs on contemplative

practices such as lectio divina, visualization (p. 64), the Jesus Prayer, and breath prayers

(p. 52). Dybdahl explains in his book that in his “not-so-secret quest for God,” he turned to Quaker

Thomas Kelly’s book A Testament of Devotion. It is Kelly, a panentheist, who said that within every

human being is a “Divine Center,” a “secret sanctuary” (from A Testament of Devotion). This

“secret sanctuary” Kelly is speaking of is what he calls “abiding Light behind all changing [life]

forms.” He says: “In that Current we must bathe. In that abiding yet energizing Center we are all

made one” (p. 38).” Dybdahl says in Hunger that Henri Nouwen “intensified” his ”craving” for “God’s

presence.” (p.12) But the presence that Nouwen is speaking of is the same as that of mystics, and it

is this mysticism that led Nouwen to reject Jesus Christ as the only path to God at the end of his life

(Sabbatical Journey). Dybdahl’s book is brimming with references to contemplative mystics: David

Benner, Morton Kelsey, Adele Alberg Calhoun, Tilden Edwards, Richard Foster, Ken Boa, and

Brother Lawrence. (also see this critique on Hunger)

www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com

Professor at Andrews Theological Seminary & main editor of Andrews University’s new Study Bible.

from Dybdahl’s book

Dybdahl’s book Hunger also promotes the spiritual discipline of Lectio Divina

“Multitudes of potential methods for meditation exist, but I want to outline two

major possibilities to give an example of what you can do. You can modify both

of them to fit your particular need and preference.

The first is a variation of an ancient Christian method called lectio divina, or

sacred/divine reading. One reason I use it is that either an individual or a group

can employ it. Often I find people are more willing to try meditation personally

if they have had a good experience in a group setting. In class I have often done

this type as a means of introducing meditation and of helping people see the

discipline's value.” ~ Hunger pg. 62

“The second method of meditation uses visualization... The same guidlines that

apply to lectio divina apply to visualization. Visualization should be connected

to Scripture or nature... This method is particualarly helpful in connection

with the biblical stories. I have found time and time again in my own

experience that study and spiritual life are enriched, as I have in imagination

entered the scriptural account and relived the event. ~ Hunger pg. 64-65

Best Practices

About the iFollow Discipleship Series

Pastor’s Edition

Categories

The iFollow Discipleship Series is designed to be used in congregations to assist people in their pursuit of God.

This assumes that individuals are in unique places in their journey and there is no perfect set of lessons that

everyone must complete to become a disciple-—in fact discipleship is an eternal journey. Therefore the iFollow

curriculum is a menu of milestones that an individual, small group, or even an entire church can choose from.

The lessons can be placed in three general categories: Meeting with Jesus (does not assume a commitment

to Jesus Christ); Walking with Jesus (assumes an acceptance of Jesus Christ); and Working with Jesus (as-

sumes a desire to serve Jesus Christ).

Components

Each lesson has a presenter’s manuscript which can be read word for word, but will be stronger if the pre-

senter puts it in his/her own words and uses personal illustrations. The graphic slides can be played directly

from the Pastor’s DVD or customized and played from a computer. There are also several group activities and

discussion questions to choose from as well as printable student handouts.

Usage

The lessons are designed to be used in small groups, pastor’s Bible classes, prayer meetings, seminars, re-

treats, training sessions, discussion groups, and some lessons may be appropriate sermon outlines.

Credits

Curriculum Development: The iFollow Discipleship Series Pastor’s Edition curriculum development was lead by the Center for Creative Ministry. General Editor: Monte

Sahlin; Assistant Editor: Debbonnaire Kovacs; Directional Advisory: Brad Forbes, Carole Kilcher, Ceri Myers, Cesar Gonzalez, Clayton Kinney, Curtis Rittenour, Dave Osborne,

Dave VanDenburgh, Gerry Chudleigh, Jane Thayer, Jerry Thomas, John Appel, Jose Rojas, Kim Johnson, Nicole Chao, Paul Richardson, Rich DuBose, Shasta Nelson, William

Sutton; Pastoral Advisory: Claudio Consuegra, Collette Pekar, Dave Hutman, Don Driver, Fredrick Russell, Jerry Nelson, Jesse Wilson, Leslie Bumgardner, Loren Fenton, Re-

becca Brillhart; Unit Authors: Alberto Valenzuela, Althea Pineda, Corienne Hay, Debbonnaire Kovacs, Ed Dickerson, Gianluca Bruno, Gil Bahnsen, Greg Nelson, Jack Calkins,

James Whibberding, Karen Collum, Monte Sahlin, Norma Sahlin, Pam Splawinski, Patty Ntihuka, Reinder Bruinsma, Ryan Bell; Additional contribution by Maria Ovando-

Gibson; Additional editing: Dave Gemmell, Meredith Carter; Graphic Design: Mind Over Media; Layout: Paul D. Young; Web Development: Narrow Gate Media.

License

iFollow Discipleship Pastor’s Edition is produced by the NAD Church Resource Center for use by Seventh-day Adventist Congregations in Bermuda, Candada, and the

United States. Churches may freely copy the lessons and PowerPoints for use within their congregations. Any other usage is prohibited without prior written consent from

the NAD Church Resource Center. iFollow Discipleship, Copyright 2010, the North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists. NAD Church Resource Center,

12501 Old Columbia pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, 301-680-6339.

www.ifollowdiscipleship.org

Debbonnaire Kovacs a Seventh-day Adventist author and columnist for Adventist Today Magazine has authored a book entitled “Devotional Retreats: Biblical Meditation to

Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit”. Kovac book combines Zen Buddhism, Yoga, transcendental meditation, and Christian meditation and mystical encounters and talks

with “Jesus”. In chapter one of Devotional Retreats, the author tells how she became interested in various

meditation disciplines, such as Zen Buddhism, Yoga, and Transcendental Meditation. Seeing what she believed to be the benefits of the mysticism of these oriental religions, she relates how it occurred to her that perhaps there was a way to "combine" these practices "with Christian meditation." She

experimented with the idea and found a way to blend the mysticism of these oriental religious practices into her

devotional life. After using the process that both pagan and Roman Catholic mystics employ to go into vision, she would

in the channel her imagination see "Jesus" and talk with him.

debbonnaire.com

I must have been around 24 when I had what I've come to call the Castle Vision. I know because I'd had my

first baby, and we had recently gone to a "family picnic" of all the families my midwives had served. There was a

creek there, and that creek was in my mind this morning in my own quiet living room as I was meditating.

When I pray, I try to really "see" Jesus there with me, listening to me, talking to me, loving me. Usually it just

feels like "me imagining Jesus" even though of course I know He's there whether I "feel" Him or not. Then,

every once in awhile, He makes His presence known in a dramatic way.

This particular day, in my mind, Jesus and I were together by a creek like the one at the farm. I was praying

about my writing. I knew it was what He wanted me to do. It was certainly what I had always longed to do. I

had already written reams for myself. But for public consumption? For others to - gulp - read? I knew I could

never live up to my own expectations and hopes. Surely it was better not to try than to try and fail . . .

Unexpectedly, I found myself kneeling by the creekbank and beginning to build a sand castle. I have always

loved castles, sand, stone, or any other variety. I especially admire those awesome, complicated ones that win

sand castle contests - you know the ones I mean. But I can't build them. Sure enough, the one that formed

under my inexpert hands looked more like an ungainly pile of mud. I looked sideways. Jesus was nearly through

with a castle that would take your breath away. It had square towers, round towers, little turrets, crenellations,

curtain walls, Gothic windows . . . Trimmed with jewels, it sparkled in the sunshine.

"If I could build a castle like that, I would!" I exclaimed enviously.

"I didn't ask you to build a castle like that," Jesus told me. "I only need you to build foundations for Me. I'll build

the castles on them."

I was in my living room again, blinking. I don't mean I had a vision in the biblical sense of the word. I was

never unconscious of my surroundings, or anything like that. But I knew it was real, just the same. My Lord had

just spoken unmistakeably to me. And I knew exactly what He meant to say.

http://www.debbonnaire.com/chapel.html


Pastor’s Edition

Categories








Components





Usage



Credits








License






NEWS HOME

H E A D L I N E S

Church Matters South Pacific: Media Convergence and Higher Adventist Profile Top Communication Agenda

Adventists in Action United States: Adventist Village is Three Blocks of Evangelism

Humanitarian Aid Flooding Displaces Thousands in Jakarta; ADRA Responds

Adventists in Action Also In The News

Adventists in Action Indonesia: Bomb Deactivated Outside Adventist Church

Freedom and Faith World Church: Pastor the Community, Not Just Members, Adventist Church Leaders Urge

ANN Feature: Church, Congregations Increase Focus on "Spiritual Formation" February 3, 2004 Silver Spring, Maryland, United States .... [Wendi Rogers/ANN]

Spiritual formation is a topic being raised by many pastors and church leaders in a growing number of Christian denominations. It's no longer enough to just know doctrine and facts--in today's hectic society people are searching for something deeper and more meaningful, something that makes sense in their whirlwind lives. For the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a "wake-up call" was sounded after a 2002 survey showed that though doctrinal understanding was high, there were several "areas of concern," including low involvement in daily prayer and Bible study, active Christian witness to the community, and participation in community service (see ANN October 9, 2002). These concerns can be linked to how the church rates in the area of spiritual formation, which has been defined by one Adventist Church pastor as "the process of becoming a mature Christian disciple of God." Another person describes it as "whatever you do to specifically nourish your relationship with God." Today this subject is receiving serious emphasis in Adventist institutions, as well as in local congregations. Though the church doesn't have an accredited educational program dealing with spiritual formation at any of its theological schools, it's seeing this subject become more common in today's modern, seeking world. Spiritual formation is not a new idea or concept, and "a lot of Protestants are in the same boat--we are rediscovering it," says Dr. Jon Dybdahl, president of Walla Walla College, an Adventist institution in Washington State. And, he adds, the Adventist Church has some work to do. "Traditionally the Adventist Church has emphasized intellectual truth and accepting certain facts and ideas about God," Dybdahl says. "At least in

Jane Thayer.

Roger Dudley.

NEWS SECTIONS

ADVENTISTS IN ACTION

CHURCH MATTERS

EDUCATION

FREEDOM AND FAITH

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

HUMANITARIAN AID

SOCIAL ISSUES

search news

Language

NEWS ARCHIVE »

PODCAST / MP3 »

SUBSCRIBE to E-MAIL BULLETINS »

CONTACT EDITOR »

SYNDICATE »

STYLE GUIDE »

ABOUT ANN »

2005 GC Session News

Page 1 of 3ANN Feature: Church, Congregations Increase Focus on "Spiritual Formation"

2/8/2007file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\Ddybdahl Duped.htm

many places it has not talked so much about the importance of directly experiencing God. The difference is between knowing about God and knowing God. Sometimes what we teach people is knowing about God ... That's part of the nature of things. It's much easier to communicate a fact than it is to wield people to experience." Pastor Martin Feldbush, associate director for Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries whose work brings him in contact with leaders of several other denominations, says that the Adventist Church is not alone in its quest for deeper spiritual formation among members. "A lot of churches out there are struggling with the same issues as we are. We're not in isolation as though there's something wrong with us. I think churches particularly that are conservative in their orientation and take their mission very seriously, and I believe we should do all of that, may have a tendency to stress the 'doing' as opposed to the 'being' and the formation." But why is there a need for spiritual formation? If people are part of a religious organization, shouldn't they already be at a certain level of spiritual formation? John Jenson, pastor of the 150-member South Bay Adventist Church in Torrance, California, says, "There's a need for spiritual formation with the [Adventist] Church because we have been so doctrinally oriented that people might be able to quote some or all of the 27 fundamental beliefs [of the church], and may have neglected having daily devotions that day or week or month." He explains that there's an overload of knowledge and information, but how to translate that into meaningful instruction and "marching orders" for daily living is key. Jenson says that without spiritual formation, a person would be "spiritually uncivilized." It "is the process by which they can go from being a spiritual infant to spiritual maturity ... developing the potential that God's put within you." Dybdahl adds that people need to "Begin to recognize that knowledge without life experience can be dead. [They need to] recognize how crucial it is to people's lives [and] how much the younger generation values experience." Dr. Jane Thayer, assistant professor of Religious Education and coordinator of the Religious Education Program at Andrews University, adds, "We have a big blank when it comes to taking care of people once they have accepted the Lord ... I think what people need to know is 'how do you live the life.' Spiritual formation or discipleship needs to show how you live like Christ." Nikolaus Satelmajer, from the church's Ministerial Association responsible for continuing education for Adventist clergy, believes there's now a shift from emphasis on doctrine to more emphasis on spiritual formation within the Adventist Church. He also says that, "We're finding a serious lack of knowledge of our people [church founders], our doctrines ... I think we have de-emphasized them." Satelmajer says this is true particularly with the younger generation, and the cause of any spiritual formation growth stunt is not because of a focus on doctrine. Though it's not a concept that's easy to grasp for an organization as a whole, spiritual formation is something each individual member can work on, Feldbush says. "When you think about it as an individual, we're so used to gearing our spiritual experience on the 'wow' moments--the ones [in which] we can see the great things happening, whether it's personally or organizationally. It's easy to see God's movement in those times. Real spiritual formation is a process of growing more and more in tune to discernment of God's voice as well as more and more tuned to discernment of God's moving in my life, in the ordinary of life, as well as even in the difficult times of life. That's where real spiritual formation, or at least the value of spiritual formation, is seen." Spiritual formation is not about what one does, but what the motivations behind one's actions are. Dr. Roger Dudley, professor emeritus of Christian Ministry and director of the Institute of Church Ministry at Andrews University Theological Seminary, and the 2002 survey coordinator, says there are stages of moral development. "A person who studies the Bible every day because he'll be lost if he doesn't has a low level of moral development; or a person who pays tithes and offerings because he expects an extra blessing.

Page 2 of 3ANN Feature: Church, Congregations Increase Focus on "Spiritual Formation"

2/8/2007file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\My Documents\Ddybdahl Duped.htm


Pastor’s Edition

Categories








Components





Usage



Credits








License






Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews University, Pastor

Dwight Nelson’s brother (Greg Nelson).

Faith House Manhattan

Second Wind

Second Wind

Spiritual Directors

“Men in positions of responsibility are in danger of changing leaders. This I know, for it has been plainly revealed to me.”

SpTB02 48.2

Please alert those you know to the dangerous contents in the iFollow Discipleship resources and continue to earnestly pray for our church.