I Started Thinking About . . .

2007-09-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

So, I'm teaching a class on the doctrine of the Spirit (Pneumatology is the formal name, if you are interested) at Gateway this semester; I've never taught it before. Before I start reading and writing lectures for a new class, I spend a fair amount of time simply thinking about my overall approach -it helps guide my study.

In those first few weeks, the thought that kept recurring was how foreign the idea of "studying" the Spirit sounded to us Pentecostals. The Spirit is not something we analyze, it's something we experience. Really, what the class needs is probably not so much information, learning who the Spirit is and what the Spirit does, as articulation, finding good and proper language to describe what we already know.

And I Also Wonder . . .
As I look back over my life, it seems that my growth in God is mostly "accidental"; mainly, God has to create small crises in my life for me to recognize areas in need of correction. The dumb thing is I already know those areas are problematic before the crisis! Why can't I be proactive enough to change flaws in my spiritual character before they cause me grief?

Now, I know that about 90% of the 90&9ers out there just tuned me out because they have perfect spiritual lives with nary a temptation. But I'll keep writing for the benefit of those "unspiritual" 10% like me.

Here's my diagnosis of the problem--a lack of articulation. The spiritual side of my New Year's resolutions has never gotten much past, "I'd like to pray more," or "Maybe I should fast once a week." That's not a goal-that's a wish! Wanting to pray more is great-but when? where? why? My life's already proceeding at a breakneck pace-how can I add one more thing to the to-do list? Can I get a witness?

So I Decided To . . .
So here's a simple project I've decided to embark on: a "Spiritual Growth and Development Plan". Just an easy 4 steps:
1) Create a list of 5 characteristics of a truly "spiritual" person
2) Create a series of goals related to development of those five characteristics; strive for attainability and measurability-give yourself a set amount of time.
3) Find a mentor who will hold you accountable to accomplish your goals and tell you when they see you slipping up
4) At the end of a set time, evaluate your progress, note your areas of continued weakness, adjust your goals, and do it all over again! (In the words of the inimitable Homer Simpson, "Doh!")

And Therefore . . .
Since I'm a teacher in need of assignments, I've roped my entire class into doing the same thing. And then, in order to maintain my off-the-charts coolness quotient as the "nicest, best teacher at Gateway", I thought I'd give extra credit to anyone who'd volunteer to share their journey with this fine audience.

So this blog is equal parts extra credit work and cool ministry opportunity. I think there's a good mix of voices in this group; you'll probably find someone you totally agree with and another who you think is completely off-the-wall. But, hey! It's a blog! And isn't that what a blog is all about?

Extending the Invitation
So, if you're just the teensiest bit interested, why don't you check out this blog for the next semester? And if you're a little bit more interested, why don't you set up your own "Spiritual Growth and Development Plan" to track your own spiritual progress over the fall and winter? Either way, we'll welcome all fellow-travelers.

At the end of the day, the title of this blog is the continual call of the Spirit. Can't you hear the voice of God still echoing from Eden, "Hey, why don't you come walk with me?"

-Jared Runck

Walk With Me

I Started Thinking About . . .