Jun 26, 2019
By Marqueta Aiken
Philadelphia SDB Church
As you grow in the Lord you come to realize that your greatest blessings follow a difficult journey. That’s how it was with “The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations”1—fortunately God’s grace truly is amazing.
On September 23, 2019, a group of twelve members and soon-to-be members of the Philadelphia SDB Church began a 13-week journey through “The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations” by Mary Schaller and John Crilly. During that time, we discovered strengths and weaknesses in ourselves, each other, and the church. We became more aware of what God was doing around us and sought to become part of His plan, which opened our eyes to many things. For those seeking to make the principles presented in the book a part of our lives, we were able to see that the obstacles we were encountering at work and at home were the same as the ones we were encountering at church: that the people God called to our attention to talk to and pray for had the same personality type, no matter where we were. This led us to see that when we attempt to walk like Jesus, to talk like Jesus, and to meet immediate needs like Jesus, the ultimate help is for ourselves.
The willingness to let God guide in this way brought immense blessings in the area of Christian maturity. However, it also brought a heightened awareness to the struggles of others, and how often we turn a blind eye or deaf ear to the needs of those around us. For us, this was the point where we had the most difficulty and where a focused study (before or at the same time) of the three-year ministry of Jesus Christ would have been most beneficial.
Knowing that Jesus knew and accepted that the poor will be with you always,2 that the fields are white but the laborers are few,3 that there are rewards for even a cup of water given in His name4…makes it easier to accept that God’s grace for our imperfections extends to this area as well. After all, all He has asked is that we show love—He can and will do the rest.
Just as Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God provided the increase,5 there was no reason to force, drag or hold back anyone as we walked our path of discovery. So rather than pushing to read the entire book at the same pace, we reviewed and discussed each chapter on the scheduled date, and everyone was encouraged to read the book at their own pace and at times that were convenient for them. In this way, seeds were planted for some, and watered for others in and outside of the group, and an increase was experienced by all.
Everyone became more sensitive to the needs and hurts of those around them. Twenty-five percent of the group became more comfortable taking a more active approach in opening a dialog about God and/or offering a helping hand. Everyone expressed a desire to do group activities that gave us an opportunity to use what we were learning. Fifty percent of the group has already organized and/or participated in youth movie nights with the goal of creating a non-threatening environment for youth to express their beliefs about God and the world they are living in. As time goes on, it is our hope to continue to find activities and opportunities that will allow us to use our natural gifts and abilities to put “The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations” into practice.
It is amazing how a simple book, explaining how nine simple practices of a man who lived over two thousand years ago, could change the lives of anyone. Yet just as there were people then, there are people now, who hear, who believe, and who are changed. If you haven’t done so recently, read about the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ in the Gospels and grab a copy of “The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations,” so you can have a fresh encounter with God’s amazing grace, too.
1 The 9 Arts of Spiritual Conversations: Walking Alongside People Who Believe Differently,
by Mary Schaller and John Crilly, 2016. Tyndale House: Carol Stream, IL.
2 Mark 14:7-8a
3 Luke 10:2, Matthew 9:36-38
4 Matthew 10:42
5 1 Corinthians 3:6
If you or your church would like to hear more about this book or receive a sample copy, please contact Nick at the SDB Center!
