Discerning God in Community

Group Discernment: How | Discerning God in Community Episode 05

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: David Vryhof

We’re all trying to listen deeply to what God wants of us throughout the entire prayerful process.” – David Vryhof, SSJE

Prior to group discernment, it’s important to follow guiding principles: does the group have a stated covenant? Do we all share a faith view of reality and willing to be led by God prayerfully? Are we willing to bathe the process in prayer, laying aside our preconceived ideas, have holy indifference and an openness to consider various opinions? Will we honor one another, listen well, contribute positively, pause frequently, affirm silence to help us slow down when needed? From that unhurried, prayerful attentiveness, we enter a guided process with joy and gusto.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net

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Group Discernment: When and Why | Discerning God in Community Episode 04

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: David Vryhof

Prayerful listening together is essential for us to know what we are to do and who we are to become in this season of life and ministry.” –David Vryhof, SSJE

The Good Shepherd loves us and desires to lead us, for as we listen to God, we join him in his longings for us. But we need to be intentional about this pursuit of learning how to listen to God individually and collectively. From an attentive posture we then discern God’s affection for us as well as his intentions for us as his beloved ones. Each member of the group needs to share the priority of listening together to God and one another, otherwise it’s a bumpy road. Once the question(s) are clarified, asking God first will lead us smoothly into discernment as a team.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net

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Ignatian Discernment | Discerning God in Community Episode 03

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: David Vryhof

God enters our lives in unusual ways, often in places where we are weakest and most vulnerable, where he delights to bring change to our lives.” —David Vryhof, SSJE

The art of discernment takes time and experience, as we learn how to recognize the voice of God and discover the yearnings God has for us. Our culture is so dominated by the decisiveness of the business and commerce community. Instead, the church needs to lean more toward a discernment model for leadership. St. Ignatius of Loyola offers principles and practices for individual and group discernment, beginning with unpacking our deepest desires, and then pursuing them in freedom. Overarching principle: know, love, and serve God – all for his glory.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net

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God’s Yearnings | Discerning God in Community Episode 02


Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: David Vryhof

In order for us to hear the voice of God, it’s not about our ears, but much more about our hearts.” —David Vryhof, SSJE

Instead of using the term “God’s will” David and Steve unpack a healthy alternative: God’s yearnings for us. God desires for us is to live with him, noticing his empowering presence, and trusting him to abide in us. Paying attention to God’s yearnings is a lifelong pursuit, marked by times of obvious lucidity when the way forward is clear. Other times, we are confronted by multiple choices, and we pay attention to the consolation or desolation in our hearts. Still, there may be a need for us to simply wait on God and fulfill our heart’s desires in God’s timing.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net

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Jesus Discerns | Discerning God in Community Episode 01


Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: David Vryhof

Most of us have a stained-glass image of Jesus and it’s hard for us to grasp his daily life as a beloved son of God.” David Vryhof, SSJE

In this new series, Brother David Vryhof of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (Episcopal Monastic Community based in Cambridge, MA) joins Steve in conversation about Jesus and his discernment at the beginning of his earthly ministry. They recount Jesus’ baptism, his 40-days of temptation in the wilderness, and his proclamation of his mission and ministry in the synagogue. Each encounter is rich with meaning and purpose, profound in their mystery, and significant touch points for Jesus and his growing discernment about the Father’s loving desires.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net

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