In each Epistle, this column features a single question to which our pastors are asked to reply. It is usually connected to the issue’s theme and crafted to reveal the unique personalities and experiences of our beloved leaders.

What is a spiritual discipline you would like to explore/cultivate/further develop? Why?

Pastor June Barrow
I deeply desire to grow in intercessory prayer, that is, praying for others. I personally know people for whom this is a deeply developed practice, a continuous part of daily life, and a natural response to thinking of someone. It can be a way of honoring the invitation of Jesus to come to him with burdens that are too heavy to carry, to bring concerns that would cause great heaviness of heart if I carried them myself. By asking God to love, care, heal, protect, guide, and provide—whatever the prayer might be—I can offer genuine love and then leave the concern with God who has power where I do not. Sometimes to protect ourselves, we feel we must keep heavy thoughts or the deep troubles of others far from us. It’s a natural protection. But if we wish to stand with others in their hardships and fears and to support friends in their troubles, we must draw near to them and hear them. Then we can draw near to God and find our own heart’s ease by praying for our friends, laying down, and leaving the burdens with the Lord.

Pastor Steve Clark
While in seminary, I took a silent retreat at a nearby monastery. We were not allowed to speak for a full day, spending our hours alone in a small room or wandering the beautiful grounds. We even took our meals in silence. It was uncomfortable but profoundly rewarding. I gained new clarity as I journaled about my life, and my soul found new life being still and alone in the presence of Jesus, but it took me hours to slow down. I have wanted to do it again since, but I haven’t. I love to talk and be with people, which means being quiet and alone can be difficult for me; if I don’t put a silent retreat on my calendar and make the sacrifices to keep it there, it won’t happen. So, I’m hoping sometime in 2024 to schedule a day off and take a silent retreat on my own at a nearby retreat center. Please hold me to it!

Pastor Steven Grant
Reading the writings of Christian brothers and sisters from the past is a practice that several of my colleagues in ministry have found to be a special blessing. The best books are not necessarily new ones! Though I read many books on history, I would like to explore the wealth of writing by great saints who have revealed the trials and blessings of their spiritual lives. I always enjoy stepping out of the 21st century by immersing myself in historical accounts of previous centuries; spending time with past saints on a more personal basis would be even better!

Pastor Paul Fahnestock
In answer to this question, I have decided to spend 2024 with a book entitled Spiritual Disciplines Devotional, A Year of Readings by Valerie E. Hess. The book focuses on twelve classic Christian spiritual practices—one for each month of the year. Each discipline includes an introduction and twenty daily readings with suggested activities to help practice that discipline. I will start with a discipline I would like to explore, solitude, but I plan to engage with all the disciplines presented.

Pastor Brad Rogers
Often, the disciplines we would like to explore are the hardest for us to implement. As I have mentioned before, I have lots of activity in my home (a wife, three kids, two dogs, three cats, two gerbils, and the list goes on…). It is, therefore, difficult to engage in silence and solitude. Further, as an extrovert, I may avoid it. Nonetheless, Jesus often withdrew to “lonely places,” and I would benefit from following closer the way of our Lord.

 

Another Perspective 

What spiritual disciplines do you practice in your life today?

Joan Faux
Elder 
When I think about spiritual disciplines, I think of worship, service, prayer, and study time with God one-on-one and in community with other believers. To fulfill these disciplines, I attend First Church services weekly (and worship online with my son’s church in Pennsylvania and sometimes Su Kim’s church in Thailand). I also serve as an elder, attend a small group meeting, participate
in both choir and bell choir, and spend time each day in God’s Word.

Joe Wall
Elder
Since becoming a member of First Church, I have developed the spiritual discipline of morning devotions. I start with a devotion from Our Daily Bread which includes a brief Bible passage,  message, personal question, and prayer. I conclude my morning devotions by speaking with my Lord in prayer. My experience has been that starting the day off with God is the best way to get moving.

Lucas Vasseur
Youth Elder
As a busy high school student involved in dual enrollment classes and multiple musical pursuits, my spiritual disciplines are likely different. When I started my spiritual journey, I tried allotting time in my week to practice my disciplines, but that didn’t work for me. Instead, I take in little snippets of Bible reading and reflection whenever I have free time, either by opening the Bible App
on my phone and choosing a passage to read, or sitting for a second between classes and taking time to slow down and make sure I reflect my faith through my actions. I’ve learned that you don’t need an our every day to pursue a relationship with God; sometimes, all you need is just a couple of minutes.