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PBPC Family, Chapter 10: Navigation This chapter focuses in on the practice of discernment, a crucial Christian discipline when trying to catch the wind of the Spirit. Christian discernment is "making choices that draw us more toward God's will than away from it." As we learn to listen to God's voice and discern God's will, we will collectively be transformed into God-focused, obedient, and Spirit-led people. A key component of discernment is God's will. What comes to your mind when you hear someone say, "God's will"? It's not uncommon for people to think of God's will like a blueprint we must follow exactly or a bulls-eye on a target. Both of these images are actually quite burdensome, because they require perfection. God's will becomes a paralyzing reality, rather than something that leads us into deeper freedom. A better image for God's will is that of a river - it is already flowing and God is inviting us to jump in and allow...

PBPC Family, Chapter 9: Preparing for Storms Just as experienced sailors know that storms are a part of sailing, so too churches must prepare for conflict. It is never a question of "if" but "when" and "why"! This chapter focused on four areas where groundwork can be done to prepare for the inevitable challenges that will arise when a church "catches the wind of the Spirit." Strengthening the Church's Practice of Prayer: This book has continued to emphasize the importance of prayer. "Consistent teaching about prayer and opportunities to experience it are key to helping the whole congregation grow into a body that really acts together for God's sake." When prayer is a central practice of a church's life together, when troubles arise, they will find they have the resources necessary to enter into those challenges buoyed by God. Developing a Strong Leadership Team: "Having leaders who can work together well under the gu...

PBPC Family, Chapter 8: Moving with the Wind This chapter looked at "practices that give the Spirit more freedom to fill the church's sails," so they can truly move in sync with the Spirit. The practices she names are as follows. Be Intentional About Spiritual Formation : She notes the important of spiritual practices, but invites churches to focus on communal spiritual disciplines, not just individual ones. What do we do as a community to be more formed into the image of Christ? What practices shape our lives together? Practice Sanctified Imagination : Sanctified imagination is, through the Holy Spirit, "seeing beyond what is to what could be." Just as Scripture is filled with images of the future, so too sailboat churches imagine a God-shaped future that is not readily apparent in the here and now. Rise above Self-Interest for the Good of the Church : It is easy to let our own personal preferences drive our decision making in church. But the mission of the c...