Genesis Summit focuses on spiritual transformation
a conference on spiritual formation changed the mind of Ben Vanderheide, an attendee and pastor of Lakefield Baptist Church in Lakefield, Ont. “I used to think spiritual formation was just another area of ministry, like youth, worship, fellowship, mission, etc. – something you can either take or leave. But now I realize that spiritual formation is the main work of the triune God in the world today.”
What changed Vanderheide’s mind was an event called the Genesis Summit (www.Genesis-Summit.ca) cosponsored by Renovaré Canada (www.RenovareCanada.ca) and the Canadian Fellowship of Christian Spiritual Directors (www. ChristianSpiritualDirectors.ca).
The objective of the event, which launched last October in Niagara Falls, Ont., was to equip participants to foster communities of spiritual transformation, challenge attendees from across Canada in their own spiritual formation, and help them explore how formation can occur in the life of the local Church.
Marjorie J. Thompson, a Presbyterian minister and author of Soul Feast: An Introduction to the Christian Spiritual Life (Westminster John Knox Press, 1995), was keynote speaker. Her four keynote sessions touched on the nature of
Thompson’s four keynote sessions touched on the nature of spiritual transformation as being not conformed to the world, but transformed into the mind of Christ.
spiritual transformation as being not conformed to the world, but transformed into the mind of Christ.
She also spoke on how to weave transformation into congregational life, spiritual nurture for congregational leaders, and the need to stay rooted in God’s love and forgiveness. Her talks touched on how to accept and integrate your “own shadow,” and also considered mission as a form of Christian hospitality – listening to and loving strangers and enemies.
Breakouts embraced formation throughout church life and included sessions on preaching, spiritual leadership, Children’s spirituality, Next Generation, prayer and missions, among other topics. Canadian singer/songwriter/author and Faith Today columnist Carolyn Arends, who oversees Renovare’s Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation, led worship and a session on corporate worship.
Organizers plan to make the summit an annual event. Renovaré is an international organization, founded by author Richard Foster, which began in the U.S. and now has expressions in several locations. Its mission is the rejuvenation of churches. The Canadian Fellowship of Christian Spiritual Directors is a professional association, education and networking group whose goal is to support spiritual directors in their
ministry.