How to Spend a Day Alone with God

Recently I have been reading a lot about "Personal Retreat Days" or "Mini Spiritual Retreats." I assume that many of you think that this is a luxury only for fulltime Christian workers. But Spiritual health should be just as high a priority (if not higher) than physical health.

Employers hardly give a second thought if an employee asks for time off to visit their Doctor. A few years ago I was introduced to the idea of a "Mental Health Day" which is the employee's version of the school kids' activity known as "playing hooky".

Yesterday I was visiting with a man who had just finished a health screening for his employer. Since I had recently done a similar screening when joining a fitness club we both were shocked at how many questions deal with emotional health. I am deeply committed that much of what is treated as mental health or emotional health is integrally connected to spiritual health.

So, consider making the time for a one-day spiritual retreat. Below are some ideas from John Ortberg on the details of how to maximize the experience.

I was intimidated the first time I tried spending an entire day in solitude. Putting some structure on the day helps. Here are some suggestions.

Spend a brief time getting ready the night before. Ask God to bless the day, and tell him you want to devote the day to him. This day is your gift to God, but of course even more than that, it is a gift God wants to give to you. What do you need the Lord to give you: A sense of healing and forgiveness? Conviction for an apathetic heart? Compassion? A renewed sense of mission?

Arrange the day around listening to God. Here's a format I've adapted from Glandion Carney's book The Spiritual Formation Toolkit:

To read the actual schedule check out the link below.

I think all our readers would be delighted to hear your comments. When has a spiritual retreat benefited you? What obstacles do you face when thinking about taking a Personal Retreat Day?

How to Spend a Day Alone | Articles | BuildingChurchLeaders.com

Fishing for True Small-Group Leaders

I found the following list of qualities to look for in a potential small group leader. What do you think? What would you add to the list? What would you leave off?

Deep, daily spirituality. The leader has a clearly focused faith that pervades both personal and professional life.

Intentional confidentiality. The leader invites immediate trust and gives reliable guarantees to preserve secrets.

Unswerving fidelity. The leader demonstrates loyalty in personal relationships with no hint of sexual exploitation, or flirtatious or abusive behavior.

Commitment to equality. The leader avoids stereotypes of race, gender, generation, or lifestyle. He or she encourages respect and treats others with fairness.

Personal humility. The leader is always eager to learn and grow. He or she does not fear ambiguity or paradox.

Self-directed, self-disciplined. The leader works hard toward clear goals, with an internalized motivation for excellence.

Habitual patience. The leader waits and prays for the work of the Holy Spirit and does not rush people or prematurely resolve differences.

Gentleness. The leader is kind and sympathetic; he or she recognizes and assists others to overcome obstacles.

Courageous perception. The leader sees the point in situations and faces contradiction; he or she identifies the crux of decision-making.

People focus. The leader prioritizes people above issues, dialogue above agendas, and growth above success.

Inclusive behavior. The leader is sensitive to silence, invites people to participate, and is alert to the fringes of groups.

Fishing for True Small-Group Leaders | Building Small Groups

Leaders and followers

I just read the following paragraph from one of the blogs I follow. TJ has much to say about the balance between being a good leader and a good follower.

Click the link at the bottom for the rest of TJ's post.

I am often amazed and saddened by the number of people in Christian ministry who call themselves leaders who really want no authority above them. At its worst it results in narcissism where leaders start to not only ignore the authority above them but to mistreat and violate those who report to them. There is a connection between respect for authority and respect for those for whom we are the authority.

Leading From the Sandbox: Leaders and followers

What Atheists really believe

I just found a quiz taken from Al Mohler's newest book Atheism Remix. We complain that the world misunderstands and misrepresents us as evangelicals. Are we guilty of the same?  Click on the link below and find out.

Resources for Bloggers - Atheism Remix - DeMossNewsPond.com