H
as anyone ever asked you about your personal spiritual style? Has anyone ever offered to support you in exactly that area, the area of your strongest receptiveness for the divine? Or has it been your experience that most Christians are so focused on their own approach to God that they believe it is the right one, or at least the best one, for everyone else?
Over the past years, in the context of my ministry, I have communicated with thousands of Christians, quite personally with some of them. However, until two years ago nobody ever asked me, “Christian, what is your personal spiritual style? How could I help you to grow in that area?” The reason this changed two years ago is rather trivial. You see, I have spoken so much about spiritual styles of late that it is only natural for people to become curious about my own spiritual style.
What is the meaning of the three colors—green, red, and blue—in this and other Natural Church Development books? At the core, they symbolize different ways in which God reveals himself to human beings: in creation and the laws of nature (green with the symbol of the rainbow); in the sacrifice of Jesus (red with the symbol of the cross); and finally in our own hearts (blue with the symbol of the dove). Each of the spiritual styles that are portrayed in this book can be described by the intensity with which each of the three colors shapes our approach to God.
When you think of your image of a “spiritual” person, what traits first come to mind?
Further topics in the above chapter of the full version of the book
Why so many people leave their churches - What does a spiritual person look like? - A standard-model of a spiritual person - If you don't fit that model - Do you know your style? - A book for God or for human beings?