In his novel, The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare, by G.K. Chesterton, the Professor is attempting to describe something. Or, rather, someone. It is the man named Sunday. He is more than a man; he an experience. Confused, the professor states, “I think something,” he said, “that I cannot say clearly. Or, rather, I think something that I cannot even think clearly. But it is something like this…”
The professor’s words capture my sentiments as they pertain to Spiritual Formation: I think something that I cannot even think clearly. Dave Johnson, in his excellent article Can Change Really Happen? The Dangerous Hope Behind the Question We’re Afraid to Answer acknowledges the difficulty of describing and experiencing something that is, it seems, so far beyond one’s grasp. Johnson identifies Spiritual Formation as ‘the hope of becoming more attuned to God’s work in and around us, the hope of shedding bad habits and self-serving attitudes.’ Indeed. Spiritual Formation is easy to ‘talk’ about but quite difficult to fully describe in a meaningful and fully experiential way.
This blog, Disruptus Renovatus, is my attempt to describe that which I confess is nearly beyond description. In some ways, Disruptive Renovatus captures my personal journey into the Disruptive hope that Renewal has brought and continues to bring. An exploration; discovery if you will. The discovery of that deeply wonderful and fully mystical journey of an ongoing and ever increasing union with Christ. This initial post is designed to expose you to the title of the blog and the context from which it has arisen. Lastly, I will invite you to journey with me/us down this path of experiencing Christ in an a disruptively new life giving way!
THE TITLE 
Each word in the title of this blog is a transliteration of old English/Latin terms. I have intentionally used the past participial form of the terms to emphasize their adjectival capacity. In other words, they are used as an attempt to ‘describe a life’ of Spiritual formation. The terms, used together, accentuate a cherished belief: lasting change requires disruption. I find this to be particularly true when speaking of deep inner change associated with Spiritual Formation.
THE CONTEXT OF
The discoveries, practices and experiences explored through this blog are all birthed in and emerge from the dear people with whom I am privileged to share my life. This journey begins with my wife. My bride, Melissa. She is the greatest and most enduring testimony to all that is real as well as all that is contrived in my life. Her life with God has stirred my passions and desires to live my life with God in ever increasing and vital ways.
My dear children; JB, Luke and Hayla. These three serve as both glaring and loving mirrors of my own image. They have endured much under my leadership. They have been challenged, defeated and encouraged in ways that are unimaginable to most. My lack of ‘life with God’ in my early years of fatherhood has been instrumental in this journey I am on today. They would be the first to convey how deeply and wonderfully their father has changed and how vastly and greatly is the need for him to continue to do so.
My church. Yes. None of this journey would have been possible apart from the faithful, loving and wonderful community of believers God has joined together. We call this community Pillar Community Church. I love this community. Though they are not my biological family, they are indeed and deeply family to me. In fact, they are my family’s family. As you experience Disruptus Renovatus- and if you take this journey with me – it is crucial for you to understand the potency of Pillar Community Church. Indeed much of what I relay here has been birthed in the life of Pillar, has emerged from my life with Pillar, is developed by my life through Pillar. The presence of Pillar with and in me is the presence of God’s grace and mercy over and through me.
To my bride, children and dear church family, this is for you, from you and because of you. I give you thanks. To everyone else. Each of you who sense that it is past time for some Disruptus Renovatus: Welcome aboard!
Biz
Thank you, yet another reason to express my appreciation. I also love Pillar Community Church and your leadership of our journey together. God bless you richly as you seek His face on behalf of your flock. Sandra
Thanks Sandra! I am excited about this blog. I believe it will be a great aid for myself and the church!!d
I’m so thankful to the Lord that He graciously and lovingly is able to do far more than we ever dare ask or imagine. Pillar Community Church has been an answer to years of asking. We could not have imagined the wonderful vision God has brought about and His intersecting of like-minded hearts and minds. We’re humbled. Bobbi
Yes! Thanks, Bobbi! His grace is truly evident in our midst!
Thank you, Biz, for keeping us–all of us at Pillar–focused on the possibilities of God’s wholeness and restoration for each of us. And for the reminder it does not happen without disruption 🙂 We, at Pillar, are blessed that you allowed God to disrupt your life and family and follow, share and lead us in the Lord’s vision for the “God With Us” life.
Thank you, Cindy. Thanks for taking this journey with us!