Project:Encouragement
Shepherd churches and their leaders who wish to be more capable in spiritual development
We are seeking to be specialists in service of real churches and pastors. We want to walk alongside congregations and their leaders to look at all they are doing and ask what effect it has on the development of their members towards Christlikeness.
We do not aim at having a prefabricated one-size-fits-all plan but offer to work directly with a leader or a congregation for a set amount of time (e.g. six months, one year).
Occasions for Encouragement
1.
Conversations
Want to just talk at a distance about spiritual development? - Yours? Your congregation's? Your students'? We offer a listening ear, a kindred heart and, when appropriate, our expertise.
2.
Visitations
Outsiders sometimes have a clearer view of the situation than insiders, especially if they are knowledgeable and well-trained to reflect on what they see. We offer to visit your area of ministry to observe and ask questions and together, with God's help, to come to clarity about its prevailing spiritual culture.
3.
Events
If you would like to sponsor an event in your area with planned dialogue or teaching in the areas of theology and/or spirituality we are willing to participate.
4.
Groups
At times, we will sponsor groups so that like-minded persons in similar positions can encourage each other and learn from each other about spiritual development.
Currently we are sponsoring “Soul Mates”, a monthly discussion group on the nature of the soul.
5.
Teaching
Quite intentionally, Sanctus does not offer prefabricated teaching units. But on any area of past or present writing or research, we are willing to come and teach for your church, ministry or school. Preferably, however, we would design a teaching session for the precise needs of your area of ministry - or recommend someone better suited.
Past examples of teaching include:
With Heart and Soul
A short-term rule of life with 1) a fellowship, 2) a teaching and 3) a spiritual discipline component.
BluePrint
An introductory course for those interested in spiritual formation which focuses on how we were built as human beings. In other words, a course in Christian psychology.
The Spirituality of Dallas Willard
The church needs a theology which supports discipleship to Jesus and spiritual development. This course takes students systematically through the key themes in Willard’s theology and spirituality
The people of God find themselves in all sorts of financial situations. For this reason we strive, like the apostle Paul, to bring high-quality service to the churches free of cost. But depending on our availability or current funding, we may have to say, no, or arrange some financial compensation.