Mansions of the Heart : Exploring the Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth

by Ashbrook, R. Thomas

• ISBN13: 9780470454725
• ISBN10: 0470454725
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-10-05
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

For those curious about the "more" of their relationship with God, those stuck and confused, and those responsible to lead others, this book clearly delineates the goal of spiritual formation and leads readers step-by-step through a Spiritual Formation Roadmap based upon Teresa of Avila's Seven Mansions (basically seven stages of spiritual growth and development). It further provides a Mapping Tool to help readers discern their place in the spiritual journey. Finally, Mansions of the Heart will help leaders look at a process they can use help church members to grow into spiritual maturity. Mansions of the Heart is a complete program for spiritual growth, based on the ancient wisdom of one of Christianity's most profound and beloved mystical teachers.

Author Biography

R. Thomas Ashbrook is the director of spiritual formation for Church Resource Ministries and leads CRM's international spiritual formation ministry, Imago Christi. Imago Christi develops spiritual formation resources and coaches Christian leaders and churches. He provides spiritual direction and coaching for pastors and missionaries and leads retreats on prayer and spiritual growth. Dr. Ashbrook also served as adjunct faculty at George Fox Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xv
Is This All There Is?	p. 1
Common Myths That Lead Down Dead-End Roads	p. 17
Your Journey into the Love of God	p. 35
New Beginnings: The First Mansion	p. 51
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Second Mansion	p. 71
Following Jesus: The Third Mansion	p. 89
Discovering the Love of Jesus: The Fourth Mansion	p. 107
Longing for Oneness with God: The Fifth Mansion	p. 127
The Long Dark Corridor: The Dark Nights of the Soul	p. 149
The Passion of God's Love: The Sixth Mansion	p. 169
A Life of Love in the Trinity: The Seventh Mansion	p. 189
Your Unique Journey	p. 215
Spiritual Formation and the Church	p. 231
Our Call to Action 253
Notes	p. 263
The Author	p. 273
Index	p. 275
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