Mission Rooted in Spirit
Excerpt from Fifth Thursday Zoom Mini Retreat, July 25, 2025. Posted by request of those who attended.
Before you start reading, ask yourself two questions.
1. How are mission and soul care related?
2. As a Christian, can you successfully do one without the other? Why or why not.
After you read, go back and answer the questions again.
The following paragraphs have been taken from various sources. They are followed by three articles. There's a lot here because it's hard to find both large topics covered in single writings. Read what you can. Start with what's written here, then move on to the articles as time permits.
"Comment overheard during after-church fellowship: 'I don’t understand those Christians who are so busy doing good that they don’t even have time to stop and pray, to be still and listen to the voice of Jesus. How can they replenish their spiritual energy if they don’t rest? How can they be co-workers with God if they don’t spend time with him?'
And another: 'I don’t understand people who spend so much time in prayer or go away on silent retreats for a week. Sure, prayer is good, but we should be acting! Doing the work of Jesus in feeding the hungry, going on missions, helping the homeless, spreading the good news . . . '
Well, the other good news is that both are correct. Jesus exemplified and taught both spiritual discipline and mission. Christian discipleship involves both worship and work, prayer and practice, solitude and socialization, imagination and intention.
The church sometimes falsely dichotomizes inward and outward expressions of faith. The first may bring to mind monasticism, spiritual disciplines, prayer, contemplation; the second is associated with evangelism, caring ministries, social justice, mission, creation care. Both camps may be tempted to judge the other—too much time in silence and solitude, withdrawal from the world; excessive immersion in the world, not enough time in prayer. This problem is compounded by the fast-paced, self-centered, and technology-focused nature of our contemporary Western world—a world that craves meaning but remains fragile and fractured. It is also compounded by ambiguities and misunderstandings about the natures of and needs for mission, spirituality, and spiritual disciplines.
In the past few decades there has been renewed interest in spiritual disciplines and intentional spiritual practices, evident in the new monastic movement, for example. There has also been a shift in the practice and study of mission to incorporate spirituality. Indeed, many local ministries include both of these." Singing into Splintered Spaces: The Rhythms of Mission and Spiritual Discipline, E. Janet Warren.
Soul care and mission are deeply intertwined. Soul care, which encompasses tending to one's spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, is essential for effective ministry and living a fulfilling life. It enables individuals to connect with their purpose, navigate challenges, and serve others with authenticity and resilience. Conversely, engaging in mission, or pursuing one's purpose and serving others, can be a powerful form of soul care. Elaboration:
Soul Care as a Foundation: Soul care is not just self-care; it's a deeper level of tending to one's inner life, including spiritual practices like prayer, reflection, and connecting with God. It involves understanding one's identity, healing from past wounds, and cultivating healthy relationships.
Mission as Soul Care: When individuals are aligned with their purpose and actively involved in meaningful work, they often experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose that nourishes their soul. This is particularly true in the context of mission, where individuals dedicate themselves to serving others and contributing to a greater cause.
Interconnectedness: Soul care and mission are mutually reinforcing. When individuals prioritize their soul care, they are better equipped to engage in meaningful mission, and conversely, when they are actively engaged in mission, they often find their soul care deepened.
Soul Care Groups: Soul care groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect with others, share their struggles, and receive support and encouragement in their journey of faith and personal growth.
Finding Your Soul Purpose: Ultimately, soul care involves understanding one's unique gifts and talents and aligning them with a life purpose that brings meaning and fulfillment. This process of self-discovery can be a powerful form of soul care in itself. AI generated from various sources.
“Your calling is not defined only by the fruit it provides to the kingdom. Another way to say it: your family and your very self are included in the kingdom you wish to serve, and if they are not thriving, the whole of your ministry is not thriving.” Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living, Shauna Niequis
“Christian spirituality is rooted in a missionary God; therefore, it is inherently missionary. We join in God’s mission as we live our Christian lives and practice spiritual disciplines. Spirituality motivates and sustains mission, although we may not always be aware of this. In spiritual formation, we align our spirits with God’s Spirit; in mission, we align our activity with the tasks of God. The closer we are to the Lord, the better we can feel his love and concern for the world. Consequently, Christian spirituality and mission can be viewed as virtually synonymous. 50 Spiritual disciplines are not just about what we can do, but about what God is already doing” Singing into Splintered Spaces: The Rhythms of Mission and Spiritual Discipline by E. Janet Warren
Want more information? Check out these articles
https://www.thetableindy.org/intro-everyday-spirituality/
https://saturatetheworld.com/2022/10/11/soul-care-as-mission/
https://www.modernday.org/soul-care-for-missionaries-where-to-start/
Want information about a soul care and mission program?
Contact Karen Kaigler-Walker
Spiritual Growth/Soul Coordinator
United Women in Faith Horizon Texas Conference
kkaiglerwalker@earthlink.net
