The Hidden Lives of Congregations by Israel Galindo

Author:Israel Galindo
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781566996563
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2014-04-09T04:00:00+00:00

Mystic Spirituality

Another spirituality type identified by Corinne Ware is that of mystic spirituality. The mystic spirituality style tends to describe not so much a churchwide style as it does a subset within a congregation. While the majority of members in a given congregation may not share this spiritual style, it is commonly and widely found in many congregations. Often, only a small group in a congregation embraces this orientation—who are at times tolerated by the majority as a group of misfit but benign members. Congregations that value being a place for everybody tend to support and provide openly for this small group of members who have particular needs for spiritual expression. The outlook of this hidden spiritual style tends toward the contemplative. There is an enthusiastic—but sometimes serious—focus on spiritual disciplines. Silence and listening is more important than making noise (preaching or music). A primary focus of this spiritual style is on inward spiritual formation, which requires a level of dedication and discipline that may put off most members from joining this group. The worship preference for this group leans toward the pietistic, a dimension that their congregation may not provide in the principle corporate worship gathering. Therefore, this group often seeks worship experiences in smaller, more intimate gatherings, like retreats. This style is somewhat similar to that of cognitive spirituality in that the text and the written word are important—therefore, activities like journaling, reading, and group lectio divina are valued as both expressions and means.

At its best, this hidden spiritual style attracts those who are serious about their commitment to spiritual maturity. Moving toward a more universalizing faith, this style can be a tremendous prophetic resource to the congregation. At its worst, those who coalesce around this spiritual style—few in number in any congregation—run the risk of practicing and living out their spirituality apart from, rather than as a part of, their congregation. Staying connected and finding ways to call out others who may be ready to engage in deeper spiritual discipline is a challenge. Additionally, this group may unintentionally foster an approach to church membership that finds comfort in withdrawing from the world. When prayer is seen as an activity to perform in private and not something that should compel members to move out and minister to the world, members will run the risk of misinterpreting the necessity to balance the journey inward with the journey outward.

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