Christian Spirituality Session Notes

Sue Howard and David Wetton

‘Spirituality is not religion; it is not about beliefs, creeds or dogmas. It is about being fully alive, relationships and that which gives meaning and purpose to life.’

“Christian Spirituality concerns the quest for a fulfilled and authentic Christian existence, involving the bringing together of the fundamental ideas of Christianity and the whole experience of living on the basis of and within the scope of the Christian faith.”

The distinction between Christian doctrine and spirituality:

• Knowing God, not just knowing about God;
  
• Experiencing God to the full;
  
• Transformation of existence on the basis of Christian faith;
  
• Attaining Christian authenticity in life and thought
  

There is increasing interest of spirituality within organisations. People are aware that they are more than a body. That they need to experience the richness of life, to love and be loved. To be at peace.

People want to bring their whole self to work You can share your experience of God through creation.

Spirituality is concerned with participation with others in community and other social spheres:

• We see people for who they are and not their position. It should instil great humility in the presence of others.
• We should ‘deep listen’ to others until they have said their last word. It can bring healing to them.
• Relationships are the starting point for God’s work
  

We live in a God filled world and our job is to awaken to His presence.

Quaker Listening Exercise:

Divide into groups of 3 (triads) - 1 person is the focus

• 1 minute of silence: Prepare to Listen. Hold the person in prayer/intention.
• 3 minutes – Focus on the person – who will raise a problem, or an issue that they want to work through. What is your current challenge? No interrupting them.
• 1 minute – clarifying questions
• 5 minutes – comments and questions about the challenge – explore from a spiritual perspective – 1 person to take notes.
• 1 minute – prayer, affirmation, silence
• 1 minute – transition – share their experience of it
  
• 12 minutes for one person!
  

Now move onto the second person in the group – and so on.