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Hebron Road 2 Fellowship |
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Spiritual companions guide
sojourners from discipleship, mentoring, life coaching, to the intimacy
of spiritual direction. Many believers have been discipled and even mentored. Few have been coached to live a successful life for God. But to live a holy life, spiritual direction must occur on a regular basis, during a retreat, or at a time of special need. Hebron accompanies pilgrims who desire progress on the spiritual journey by: Mentoring to turn personal values into practice, sort out priorities, and relate passion to work. The spiritual instruction is centered on a learning contract and goals to develop a skill set, and will review current issues in life, personal and ministry spiritual and character development. Life Coaching is a rapidly growing profession that is different from consulting, mentoring, advice, therapy, or counseling. The coaching process addresses personal projects, general conditions and transitions in the client's life, relationships or profession by examining present events, discovering obstacles or challenges, and choosing a course of action. Unlike counseling or therapy, life coaching is less threatening, less concerned about problem solving, and more inclined to help people reach their potential. Coaching is not reactive looking back, it's pro-active looking ahead. It is not about healing; it's about growing. It focuses less on overcoming weaknesses and more on building skills and strengths. Usually coaching is less formal than the therapist-patient relationship. Coaches asks good questions and provide godly advice that can be useful. Spiritual Direction is called forth by others as they pray for guidance to respond to God’s invitation . Spiritual guides offer experiences, practices and teachings which address the spiritual life’s 3 classical expressions: knowing, acting, and feeling. Spiritual directors encourage personal spiritual practices to which people are called and offer resources for discernment in responding to God’s invitations. Anonymity is preserved confidentially. |
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 “HEBRON”
is from the Hebrew word for society or friendship (Hitchcock’s Bible
Names), community or
alliance (Easton’s Bible Dictionary). HEBRON, the rival of Damascus, is one of the most ancient cities in the world. It was well-known when Abraham entered Canaan 3800 years ago. Its modern name is El-khulil, the name Muslims refer to Abraham as "the friend of God." This Levitical city of refuge(Joshua 20:7; 21:11) was David’s royal residence for seven and a half years as king of Judah (2 Samuel 5:5) and here he was anointed king over all Israel (2 Samuel 2:1-4,11; 1 Kings 2:11). ROAD to God is
a pilgrimage. We all travel
the same road of the
pilgrim’s patron saint. “By faith Abraham,
when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). In Hollywood classic movies, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were traveling on “The Road To __” not knowing how to get there. As pilgrims, we may know where we are going, but we do not know what adventures lie on the journey or how we will arrive at the destination. “TWO fellows sailing a ship together” is a classic definition of fellowship. We alone cannot make the spiritual journey, since we are dependent on our companions to complete the life-long pilgrimage. “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee,” God promised (Genesis 26:3). Of course, our companion guide is the Holy Spirit, but we need human companionship for spiritual guidance for encouragement. “If one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” ( Ecclesiastes 4:12). FELLOWSHIP, an alliance based on friendship, is the first step toward building a community. To bring the pilgrim to the destination of communion with the Creator, spiritual companionship is necessary (as Frodo needed the “Fellowship of the Ring” in J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic, The Lord of the Rings). What Kind of Spiritual Guide is Needed?
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