In order to be at its most effective, a congregation needs to address four areas of religious practice: the cushion, the living room, the sanctuary and the street.
The cushion refers to a meditation cushion and represents personal spiritual practices. It isn't always a cushion, of course. Sometimes it is a chair, bench or rug where one prays, or a yoga mat. But a personal spiritual discipline is indispensable for integrating and reflecting on one's life experiences and growing into a whole human being. The practices will vary, but what is essential here is a regular time, which need not be many minutes, for quiet practice, whether it be a meditation or prayer technique, yoga or other body/spirit discipline, sacred reading and/or quiet, unstructured prayer and reflection. The role of the church here is to encourage this discipline and to provide opportunities for people to learn and be supported in these practices. Prayer, meditation or study groups that meet regularly are hugely helpful here, as is one on one or group spiritual direction.
The living room refers to small, face to face groups that meet regularly to provide a safe environment for spiritual friendship. Here, perhaps in a structured environment, individuals can speak about the huge questions of life, such as: what is my life purpose? What does it mean for me that I have to die? How can I love well? How am I to serve? What of good will I leave behind. The huge theological themes of liberation, forgiveness, reconciliation, and compassion have a place here. The friends made in these groups provide support in times of trouble, illness or loss.
The sanctuary refers to corporate worship. This is where a spiritual community comes together to celebrate life through music, art and the spoken word. It is where the symbols and stories of a people are told and interpreted and where people are challenged to act in their lives and in the world to express their best selves.
And the street is where the all that is learned on the cushion, in the living room, and in the sanctuary is brought to bear to help heal the world in service and witness.
The cushion refers to a meditation cushion and represents personal spiritual practices. It isn't always a cushion, of course. Sometimes it is a chair, bench or rug where one prays, or a yoga mat. But a personal spiritual discipline is indispensable for integrating and reflecting on one's life experiences and growing into a whole human being. The practices will vary, but what is essential here is a regular time, which need not be many minutes, for quiet practice, whether it be a meditation or prayer technique, yoga or other body/spirit discipline, sacred reading and/or quiet, unstructured prayer and reflection. The role of the church here is to encourage this discipline and to provide opportunities for people to learn and be supported in these practices. Prayer, meditation or study groups that meet regularly are hugely helpful here, as is one on one or group spiritual direction.
The living room refers to small, face to face groups that meet regularly to provide a safe environment for spiritual friendship. Here, perhaps in a structured environment, individuals can speak about the huge questions of life, such as: what is my life purpose? What does it mean for me that I have to die? How can I love well? How am I to serve? What of good will I leave behind. The huge theological themes of liberation, forgiveness, reconciliation, and compassion have a place here. The friends made in these groups provide support in times of trouble, illness or loss.
The sanctuary refers to corporate worship. This is where a spiritual community comes together to celebrate life through music, art and the spoken word. It is where the symbols and stories of a people are told and interpreted and where people are challenged to act in their lives and in the world to express their best selves.
And the street is where the all that is learned on the cushion, in the living room, and in the sanctuary is brought to bear to help heal the world in service and witness.
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