In response to a question—what should our new church staff person do—in meeting the needs of the college age(or any other age) group?

This question came from a dear friend who is involved in a church that puts emphasis on ministry to college aged people, and upon those who recently graduated from college.

This question caught me in a moment of passion and inspiration!

I had been discussing this “spiritual formation” topic with some friends, just this morning. I have given this matter some thought since our church, Calvary, has begun the introduction of contemplative prayer as a Wednesday night series.

This is what I replied to the query:

The age group from 18-24 needs what all truly converted believers need, and that is a way to learn how to grow as a Christ follower,  i.e.  "a lifetime of discovery"...In my view, our churches generally tend to focus on the new birth and leave out the "how do you grow" part.

I would suggest that the person you employ should have insight (that is, a personalized, seemingly "cool" way to teach young folks how to develop their own pathway to growth in the “in yoke walk” with Christ, which is essentially a personal discipline in prayer and contemplative lifestyle, showing the devotees about a complete, developed approach to Spiritual Growth).

My life has been changed by what I call centering prayer, which is meditating on a memorized inspirational passage, like the prayer of St. Francis, or the Lord's Prayer, or a Psalm, chosen carefully, or any number of great scriptural passages--- is the heart of a centering prayer practice. It is a practice, and a lifestyle. Take care to realize that it is all "grace gifted", but a practice that requires a focused discipline. I have learned much of this from the writings of Thomas Keating, Thomas Merton, Cynthia Bourgeault, Richard Rohr, and others.

So what is a practice? It is a lifestyle. In the absorption of this teaching, I have given it some serious consideration, and have arrived at seven supporting disciplines, all of which are helpful when used throughout any thoughtful disciple’s day, helping yoked disciples go deeper for that “lifetime of discovery”.

I, like my esteemed teacher in meditiation Eknath Easwaran, think in bullet points, so indulge me. 7 disciplines—7 is a significant number in the spirit world, right? Here are his points, adapted by me for our tradition.

 

Meditation / Centering Prayer

Silent repetition in the mind of memorized inspirational passages from the tradition( both scripture and inspired prayer). Practiced for one-half hour each morning. Think: an organized quiet time.

1. Repetition of a Sacred Word

Silent repetition in the mind of a hallowed phrase from the tradition. Practiced whenever possible throughout the day or night. Defeats and exposes anxiety. Mine is “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”…

2. Slowing Down

Setting priorities and reducing the stress and friction caused by hurry. Sleep and work patterns that reflect health.( This may seem impossible for college aged people.) Make an effort to arrive early to every meeting you have.

3. One-Pointed Attention

Giving full concentration to the matter at hand. Mindfulness. Who said multi tasking was a good thing?

4. Training the Senses

Overcoming conditioned habits and learning to enjoy what is beneficial. Again, a focus on health...mind, body, spirit.

5. Putting Others First

Gaining freedom from selfishness and separateness; finding joy in helping others. Intentional Ministry. This is where working alongside others in the church is wonderful. Missions projects, community ministries.

6. Spiritual Fellowship

Spending time regularly with others who are practicing the disciplines for mutual inspiration, accountability, reflection and support.

7. Spiritual Reading

Drawing inspiration from writings by and about the Christian life's great spiritual figures and from the scriptures.

These eight disciplines are steps that could be designed for a daily practice. Though they may at first seem unrelated, they are closely linked. Quieting one's mind in morning meditation, for instance, will help in efforts to slow down at school and/or work, and slowing down at school and/or work will, in turn, improve your centering meditation. Hurry at work and your mind will race during meditation; skip centering/meditation and you will find it difficult to be both slow and concentrated.

Some of the steps generate spiritual power while others put it to wise use during the day. Practicing all eight creates a balanced approach to spiritual growth, yielding the greatest benefits.

I get carried away about this issue. I think spiritual growth and transformation is the KEY element that churches essentially miss in their planning and programming. If you all can incorporate a spiritual discipline program for your membership—college age and above, you will be running way ahead of most churches I know of, including my own. I will be rooting for you all.

But then again, I am “just a layman”, what do I know?

I hope this helps,

Sam

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