Well, because of a certain link on their website to something called the Centre for Christian Spirituality.
Some of those on board at this centre for spirituality have some very contemplative backgrounds. For example, one of the leaders listed under “the community that serves together as the Centre for Christian Spirituality” is Doug Schroeder (senior pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Calgary, AB, Canada). He is also on the board of directors for the nearby King's Fold Retreat Centre and has recently completed the Soul Stream program for spiritual direction at King's Fold. He also facilitates an 18 month spiritual direction course with Soul Stream, credits for which may be applied toward a Master of Pastoral Ministry at Carey Theological College in Vancouver, B.C. Also, since Mr. Schroeder is on the board at King's Fold, his church is promoting several one day retreats there this fall.
This sounds all too familiar. To see my recent post on the very contemplative King’s Fold Retreat Center, and their facilites which include a Labyrinth, Stations of the Cross, fasting cabins, and Quiet Spaces, etc., click here.
Another leader listed at Centre for Christian Spirituality is Rob Peterson, spiritual director and mentor who serves with Soul Stream (www.soulstream.org). He offers his experiences and resources in the area of leadership soul care, which also has to do with contemplative spiritual formation. Soul Stream is another extremely contemplative ministry run by Jeff and Steve Imbach (Jeff Imbach is the founding president of the Henri Nouwen Society of Canada).
These are probably very nice people, to be sure. But is this kind of thing that you would expect a son or daughter or family member to learn at "Bible" school?
Not only is the Centre for Christian Spirituality a link on the Rocky Mountain Bible College website. This centre is also offering a one day event next year (at the college and at a nearby Alliance Church) with Eugene Peterson, author of the popular paraphrase referred to by many as the Bible called The Message:
A DAY WITH EUGENE PETERSONThis link between this centre for contemplative spirituality and Dr. Peterson comes as no surprise, as Eugene Peterson’s own books and things have revealed beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a contemplative mystic. However, don't you think it's a surprise (and a shocker) to see how ministry leaders and students every where are being so heavily targeted and focused on by these contemplative organizations and teachers? Like, what on earth is going on here? As more church leaders, and future church leaders, are being taught ancient contemplative practices and a blend of spirituality that is not entirely biblical (and even extra-biblical), it kind of makes you wonder what many churches will look like a few years from now, doesn't it? This is only the beginning. If you belong to a solid Bible believing church, or support a solid Bible based Christian college, this is probably a good time to remember to pray for them daily.
On May 27, 2010, Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message will be joining us at the Centre for two events. The lecture sessions featuring Dr. Peterson, are being sponsored by the Centre for Christian Spirituality.
Pastor’s Retreat with Dr. Peterson – May 27
Rocky Mountain College chapel – 9:00-11:30 am
Cost: $30.00 per person.
This morning retreat with Dr. Peterson is open only to those who serve as pastors and pastoral staff, and for any who are involved in Christian ministry. Dr. Peterson’s address will be targeted toward frontline ministry personnel.
Evening Session with Dr. Peterson – May 27
Foothills Alliance Church – 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cost: $30.00 per person.
The evening session is open to everyone, and the address by Dr. Peterson will focus upon the role of the Word of God in our spiritual formation and transformation.
-www.centreforchristianspirituality.org
Related helpful information:
Do Christian Leaders Understand The Contemplative Prayer Movement?
By Christopher Lawson
www.spiritual-research-network.com
Contemplative Spirituality (Spiritual Formation)
www.spiritual-research-network.com
Enter the labyrinth
www.letusreason.org
*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, the views on this blog are merely the personal opinions, rantings, and meanderings of this blogger.
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