Portion of S3 Application

Can you name that group?


d. Briefly describe your group. (15 words maximum)
Six United Methodist pastors from TN seeking to refine vocational leadership through spiritual disciplines.


e. Describe your group’s idea for a collaborative learning project. (75 words maximum)
We will pursue the study and practice of spiritual disciplines through two particular approaches: (1) our Wesleyan heritage of covenant discipleship and (2) the monastic lifestyle (both historic and contemporary).

We will construct a hermitage on property in Arrington, TN to be used for Sabbath retreats.

We will visit at least two monasteries to further explore aspects of the monastic life.

We will attend a conference

f. How does your project address the broad themes of the S3 Project: Sabbath, Study, and Service? (75 words maximum)

Sabbath—
• Practicing silence at hermitage and monasteries
• Recreation of common interest

Study—
Invite speakers to address our focus. Attend a conference on New Monasticism/ Monasticism

Question to Study: What is the possible relationship between a Wesleyan approach to spiritual disciplines and monasticism? How could these practices impact our own leadership?

Service—
Provide programs on Monasticism and Silence to other Pastors who are looking to reconnect to ancient practices of spiritual discipline.

In my prayer time this morning, I was impressed with the thought that what we are doing might just be a holy thing in spite of the 6 that are involved. What I mean is what I couldn't communicate yesterday because of my insatiable (though often unsuccessful) desire to say something funny is that I think God has led us to something of meaning, something that will inform and restore our ministries. I need some more quiet. I need a more sure foundation that I think a more spiritually disciplined life can provide. I am excited to see how God uses what we learn, the accountability we gain, and the Sabbath we experience to further His Kingdom. I just felt like this morning, God assured me that He was involved in this, for that I am grateful. Then a baby started crying, my silence and prayer was broken, and the day crept in!

New Monasticism

"the restoration of the church will surely come only from a new monasticism which has nothing in common with the old but a complete lack of compromise in a life lived in accordance with the Sermon on the Mount in the discipleship of Christ. I think it is time to gather people together to do this" –Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I think maybe Chip's comments this morning might have eventually led us to this question as well- how does this experiment in monasticism inform our pastoral leadership towards living out the sermon on the mount? It seems that our service aspect is geared towards hospitality (inviting others in the conference to use the space)--which is great, but one of the desired results might also be some measurable(?) way that our ministry within churches is impacted. Thoughts?

Look at this website on New Monasticism if you haven't already.