A few years ago I (Bill) read a leadership book by a Christian author and publisher that made no mention of Jesus. Not one. Yet most people in the world respect Jesus and are open to learning from him. In our Soul Shepherding Institute in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, we teach that the Lord…
God is lovingly caring for us — even if the healing we pray for doesn’t happen. “You might think if someone had the gift of healing they’d go to the hospital and heal everyone,” John Wimber remarked, “but Jesus didn’t do that. When he went to the Pool of Bethesda, the hospital of his day,…
Jerry sat next to me (Bill) in church one Sunday in 2005. I didn’t know him, but he knew me as the Spiritual Formation Pastor. During the service he wrote me a note, “Can I set an appointment for spiritual direction to talk to you this week?” I learned Jerry was a retired pastor. “Imagine…
When joining with the Spirit of Jesus to minister healing, it’s important to give yourself permission to be a learner. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10). In all matters of faith, we learn by doing, by putting into practice what we learn from the…
To some people, “faith” in God is right doctrine or action. But actually faith is relational — it’s trusting God. As we keep seeking God with our heart, our beliefs and behavior come along. To strengthen our faith means we are developing greater trust and confidence in Holy Spirit’s presence with us and his power…
During graduate school, we attended the Vineyard in Anaheim, California where John Wimber was the pastor. Like David, Gideon, or Mary Magdalene, he was an unlikely leader. No one would’ve thought he’d be great for God. He grew up in rural Missouri in the 1930’s and 40’s in a poor family that cursed and fought…
Lectio Divina is a delightful way to pray through a Bible passage. In our Soul Shepherding ministry, we use an especially refreshing and encouraging approach to this ancient discipline. The best way to understand Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is to experience it personally, especially with someone who is experienced with this quiet, reflective,…
Jesus invites you, “Come with me… to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). Most of us know the Lord wants to bless us but we struggle to make space. I (Bill) would like to share with you from my personal journal about a day I was too busy and too stressed and…
There’s so much life in the Word of God that some people have sacrificed their lives to put a Bible in people’s hands. Bill and I (Kristi) have been inspired by the stories of men like Luther, Tyndale, and Wycliffe who translated the Bible. They treasured Scripture and endured terrible persecutions, even death, in order…
One day on retreat I had a deep experience of the Father’s love and I want to share it with you. It’s inspired by what may be the most compelling story about God in the Bible and the greatest short story ever told anywhere: Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). I spent some quiet…