Spiritual formation for pastors; Feeding The Fire Within

Gemignani, Michael. Spiritual formation for pastors; Feeding The Fire Within. Judson Press, Valley Forge. 2002. price 22.95 pp. 127. Available at Leadership Centre 800-804-0777.
Michael Gemignani- Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Freeport, Texas.

Section 1. The Look of a Sound Spirituality.
Spirituality is popular. The search for spirituality in sources other than Christianity is an indictment on Christian leaders. It is also an indicator of a lack of spirituality. "Spirituality gives structure and focus to our life in God." 2.
Ch. 1. The Need For A Sound Spiritual Foundation.
A strong spiritual vision is essential for clergy to survive and succeed in ministry. Clergy must lead. A sound spiritual foundation will be characterized by humility, compassion, love and a call.
Ch. 2. Spirituality in General.
"Spirituality is how I relate to God."14. It can be good or bad. "Spirituality is the way in which we direct the passion within us." Ronald Rolheiser. It can be dissipated. It involves faith and faithfulness to God. Where we direct our energies will reflect our spirituality.
Ch. 3. Spirituality and the Clergy.
There are several things that affect clergy spirituality. Their vocation is associated with a divine call. They are expected to give spiritual guidance. Their public perception is different from laity. They are viewed as "intermediaries". They are viewed as leaders of prayer and worship. We need worship because it is key in our relationship with God.
Ch. 4. A Personal Spirituality for Clergy.
Since clergy have special responsibilities in the church and are more visible as symbols of Christ in the community their spirituality will be expressed by special attributes. Spirituality will still be personal.
Ch. 5. Good Fruits and Warning Signs.
The warning signs of a corrupt spirituality are pride, legalism, apathy, and secularization. Sound spirituality is demonstrated by humility, compassion, love, and a call of God to ministry.
Section 2. The Road to a Sound Spirituality.
Ch. 6. Spiritual Formation.
"My relationship with God is my membership in the body of Christ and thereby my becoming a ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ ". 49. It is a gift. For a pastor this involves prayer, study, and ministry. A pattern of life will reflect ones spirituality.
Ch. 7. Meditation.
Meditation is a form of prayer. It is personal. Certain faculties trigger meditation while other faculties are used during meditation. Meditation may be "imaginative or discursive" 66 (involving reason)
Ch.8. Contemplative Prayer. (Part 1)
"Meditation is active prayer. Contemplation is resting (passive) prayer." 70. When we are removing distractions, etc.in preparation for contemplative prayer the process is called "active contemplative prayer" 72. Some specific techniques are presented as tools for contemplative prayer.
Ch. 9. Contemplative Prayer. (Part 2)
"In passive contemplative prayer, God takes the initiative and gives the soul a direct experience of Godself." 81. Passive contemplation is not a right or a requirement. It is an aid for spiritual growth. John of the Cross was a great teacher of contemplative prayer.
Ch. 10. Spiritual Direction.
The support of others is an invaluable aid in spiritual growth. Spiritual direction is defined and the functions of a spiritual director are discussed. Spiritual direction happens at varying levels.
Ch. 11. Aids to Clergy Spirituality.
Accountability is a must for pastors. Support groups are a help. A "spiritual companion" 108 or mentor is helpful. Other helpful aids are retreats, sabbaticals, and opportunities for ongoing education.
Ch. 12. Special Clergy Spiritual Issues.
A number of topics are discussed- servant leadership, community and spirituality, worship and spirituality, relationship to denomination, the role of the laity.

Comment.
This has been an interesting read in as much that the author raises some interesting topics and treats them from, what to me is, a somewhat different perspective. Even the familiar topics include thought provoking material. If you have questions that have been raised by the review I suggest you might consider getting the book.