Outward Disciplines

MIN-350 Formation for Christian Leaders Grand Canyon University Charles Awls Professor Woods 1/29/2012

Outward Disciplines

Introduction This essay will labor to journey into the key components of Richard Fosters characterization of solitude, submission and service as outward disciplines. The journey intends to provide a lens into the extent that these disciplines are inter-connected. Foster provides critical insights on how solitude, submission and service are outward disciples that if we properly apply them, they can open us psychologically and spiritually and sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others . Solitude Foster says inward solitude has outward manifestation. There is the in order to hear the divine whisper better Jesus Lived inward heart solitude." ( Foster pg 97)

Foster asserts that we often are consumed with finding what are to do, Foster maintains that solitude is not about doing something it is about not doing something. Richard Foster says, What we must clearly understand and underscore is that our real task [in solitude] is to create a space in our lives where God can reach us. Once that space has been created we wait quietly, expectantly. From this point on, the work belongs to God. Service Foster intently provides the reader with solid grounding to improve the vital aspect of service. This section provided insight into the difference between Self-righteous versus True Service. Foster directs the reader to the importance to acknowledge others and affirm their worth (Foster, pg. 137).

Outward Disciplines The concepts here reminds me of the some of my past training called servant hood leadership. This training merely trained the students to view the calls of their lives with humility as Christ did, to lead by example in the arena of serving our brother and sister. This really is a valuable concept for Pastors and leaders, because our society has become so caught up in the titles and statuses that we have forgotten our true call which is to serve. I was engaged in conversation with another leader and we were disturbed that at an event that was supposed to feed people that were in need, the leaders are fed first and the needy are feed subsequently or simultaneously. We ascertain, as Foster leads that our role is the be the ones who feed the needy with our own hands, serve our helpers and then when can partake of what remains, that is true service. The concept he provide is the loss of self, rather that the exaltation of self. Submission. The last discipline that we will explore is submission. Foster states The

discipline of service frees us from the need to be in control. Richard Foster wrote, "When we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge. Foster provides a relief valve for the reader in that he states that by giving up our rights that in return we set ourselves free from anger and bitterness (Foster pg. 112). This discipline is a great and powerful tool if used properly. I agree that submission does allow us be freed from the need to be in control, however, one can debate the statement of the right to be in control.

The statement here provides a totality, even in submission one still maintains the right to

Outward Disciplines make choices on the direction that he or she chooses to proceed. Conclusion The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service, I believe are foundational to create the spiritual environment in us for God to use. The concepts discussed here are For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Eph 4:12) Simplicity forces us identify potential vices that disrupt the integrity of attempt at maintaining a solid spiritual connect with Christ. The connection that we have with our flesh and our spirit is often dictated by vices that we partake of. Challenges me in the realm of making sure that my works are not evil spoken of, that my intention is always one that is humble and glorifies God. Submission I can agree with the basic premise, because it is a foundational principle that Christ taught, but many of us choose not to embrace. We must understand that submission is suppressing our will for God's perfect will, not seeking God to bless us to satisfy our own selfish will. We must always understand that it needs to be Gods will that we submit to, not to simply submit to everything, not every spirit is of God. Solitude is a vital component of these principles that lead us to spiritual formation. I believe that Foster suggests, that we all learn to take ourselves away for a time regularly and devote time solely to God in private.

I agree in that, we used to practice the concept of prayer closets. Most of the older church have a place in their home that is completely away from everything and use it just

Outward Disciplines to meditate on God and pray. They can be simple as a true closet, or as elaborate as a room that has an altar. I believe that churches should go back to doing regular shut-ins that solely focus on fasting and prayer to strengthen the spiritual ears of the people. This is sorely needed in the modern day church that focuses on the entertainment value of the music and singing, the social value of the different work groups in the church. I understand and agree with these features of the church, but I believe the ideals discussed by Foster, are foundational ones, and if applied properly, with guidance of the Holy Ghost, a spiritual ear and spiritual discernment, these concepts work together in unison to create a well rounded Christian that can be effective in ministry.

References Celebration of Discipline; Foster, R. J. (1998). Thompson Chain Study Bible; Frank Charles Thompson
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