HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY

In its simplest form, spirituality is how we stay in connection and communication with God. By speaking of healthy spirituality, we are recognizing that there are unhealthy, even sick forms of spirituality. There are a variety of bizarre religious practices that may even be attractive to individuals but do not provide healthy communication with the Divine. Sometimes religious practices devolve into superstition, psychological manipulation, or forms of idolatry that are self-serving but ineffective in communicating with God.

BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

Healthy spirituality within the Christian faith is based on some basic assumptions. (Many of these beliefs are also held by other faiths, especially the three major covenantal faiths of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.)

First, we believe that God exists, is the creator of all existence, and cares about creation.

Second, we believe that though God exists outside our physical creation, God is both aware and has intention and purpose for God’s creation. In Genesis 1:31, we read “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”  The word translated “good” carries with it the meaning of “capable of fulfilling the Divine intention.”

Third, we believe God not only cares about but is involved in a covenantal way in bringing the Divine intention to fruition.

Fourth, we believe that humans are capable of a two way communication with God. There is such a thing as revelation—a word from outside our physical creation that can be expressed to humans within our time-bound physical universe. In addition, we believe that through prayer and other religious acts we can communicate with God in a way that is heard. As  expressed in an exchange between God and Moses in Exodus 3:7, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry . . .”

Fifth, for Christians, we believe that in Jesus, the Christ, we have seen in the flesh what God’s purpose is for the creation and how to be faithful to the God who has called us to participate in the fulfillment of God’s purpose in creation.

Sixth, we believe that within our time-framed material reality, the eternal God has chosen to call both communities and individuals to respond in a special way to reveal to creation God’s purpose. Of course, we believe that God called Abram and Sarai, Moses, and David. We also believe that the incarnation of God, Jesus, called to him disciples and apostles. We also believe that God calls individuals in our time provide spiritual leadership to a church that itself is called to be a “light to the nations.”

CONNECTION WITH THE DIVINE

When I speak of the spiritual health of clergy, I am speaking about a pastor’s connection and communication with God who has called the pastor to serve as spiritual leader for a community called together as a church or other intentionally religious community. How vital and intimate is that connection? What are the ways a clergy can nurture and cultivate that relationship so that it continues to be vital and dynamic?

NO PERFECT INSIGHT

To speak of a healthy spirituality is not to suggest that we have developed a perfect insight into God’s will for the world. A healthy spirituality believes that God exists, cares, is involved, and calls us to a faithful response. It also believes that God is not defeated by our mistakes and misunderstandings. Therefore it is important that we continue to be open to God’s communication.

As Jesus demonstrated, even the most faithful experience the painful response and rejection by the world around them. Doubt is a natural part of our journey. Like Jesus, clergy (and all who are called by God) will cry out “why have you forsaken me.”

Being called does not include perfect insight. Jesus disciples frequently demonstrated a resistance to the truth Jesus embodied and a misunderstanding and doubt as to the meaning of the faith and their call. Even as they doubted and misunderstood, they continued to strive to be faithful and were ready to be forgiven into a greater truth and understanding.

HOPE IN GOD’S FAITHFULESS

A healthy spirituality not only rejoices in the joy of faithfulness but clings to God in times of darkness. The central truth of the cross is that even when evil has done its worst, God will not be defeated. Therefore, we are called by God to listen to God’s resurrecting truth again and again and guide our people in finding the meaning and purpose of life in all that we experience.

This book seeks to offer you both insights and practices that will enable you to remain psychologically healthy as you seek to remain faithful in a stressful vocation within a confusing and often paradoxical world.

AVAILABLE SOON AS VOLUME EIGHT IN THE HEALTHY CLERG MAKE HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS SERIES.