Adam Ormord (Podcast Host, Co-founder of LifePoint Resources) invites Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw to the Being Formed Podcast to discuss their latest book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. Cyd Holsclaw & Geoff Holsclaw, PhD, are coauthors of Does God Really Like Me? and codirectors of the doctor of ministry in spiritual formation and relational neuroscience at Western Theological Seminary. They are the cofounders of the Center for Embodied Faith and cohosts of the Attaching to God podcast. Cyd is a coach, pastor, and spiritual director, integrating embodied neuroscience and spiritual practices. Dr. Geoff Holsclaw is a pastor and a visiting professor of theology at Western Theological Seminary. What We Cover The intersection of attachment theory, neuroscience, and spiritual formation — how our relational wiring (to God, self, others) shows up in our faith life. Their new book Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection (2025) — key themes: the four “landscapes” (jungle, desert, war zone, pasture) as metaphors for how we live spiritually and relationally How to discern where we are (habits, patterns, unconscious strategies) and how to move toward secure attachment with God. Listener Application Pause and ask: Where do I feel emotionally/spiritually – in a pasture, jungle, desert or war zone? Reflect: What survival strategy (anxious, avoidant, fearful) is at work in me? Consider: How might God be inviting a new “terrain” of secure attachment — what embodied practice (breathing, contemplative silence, relational prayer) might help shift me? Read the Holsclaws’ book and explore their podcast for deeper integration. Resources & Links Book: Landscapes of the Soul - Amazon Website / Center: The Center for Embodied Faith (Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw) — Center for Embodied Faith Podcast: Attaching to God: Neuroscience‑informed Spiritual Formation — https://www.embodiedfaith.life/podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Educator, pastor, spiritual director, and author Afrika Afeni Mills joins me to talk about her upcoming book Sowing the Seeds of Shalom. Afrika is the author of Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students, and her TED-Ed talk Four Ways to Have Healthy Conversations About Race has reached hundreds of thousands of viewers. Her widely shared essay, A Letter to White Teachers of My Black Children, continues to inspire and challenge educators around the world. Afrika’s ministry and writing invite us into healing and flourishing through the way of Jesus and the practice of shalom. We explore how racial healing and spiritual formation belong together, and what it looks like to live into wholeness, reconciliation, and flourishing in our everyday lives. Connect with Afrika: Website: afrikaafenimills.com Missio Alliance: An Invitation to Racial Healing as Spiritual Formation TED-Ed Talk: Four Ways to Have Healthy Conversations About Race Book: Open Windows, Open Minds Substack: Shalom Seeds If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and subscribe to The Being Formed Podcast for more conversations about spiritual formation and flourishing. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"We live in an empathy-starved world. And with increased social fractures, we are always being formed to normalize disconnection from others. How do we receive empathy? How do we give it? What does this all have to do with God? I'm immensely grateful that Bill and Kristi Gaultiere have taken the time to respond to these critically important questions. We were created to live deeply loved in this world. But this journey has to start somewhere. What Bill and Kristi offer here is just the place to begin. I highly recommend this book." - Rich Villodas (lead pastor of New Life Fellowship; author of The Narrow Path and The Deeply Formed Life) Our host, Adam Ormord (LifePoint Resources), sits down with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere (Soul Shepherding) to discuss their brand new book, "Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God's Great Empathy for You." Bill and Kristi Gaultiere have been counseling and ministering to people for 30 years and are the authors of Journey of the Soul and Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith. Bill is a psychologist and Kristi is a marriage and family therapist. They are AACC leaders and have served in private practice and church ministries. They are the founders of Soul Shepherding, a nonprofit ministry to help believers discover their next steps for growing in intimacy with Jesus, emotional health, and loving relationships. In their new book, Deeply Loved (Revell, Sept. 2025), Bill and Kristi weave together engaging true stories with compelling insights from Scripture and modern psychology to help readers: Grow in self-empathy and calm emotional triggers Learn how to release worries, comfort hurts, and overcome distress Practice the "four A's of empathy" for yourself and others Engage Bible-based empathy practices to know you are deeply loved by Jesus Visit soul shepherding.org to learn more. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"It's less about what we do, but it is about who we are becoming...The process of making that decision is actually the point." (Emily P. Freeman) Join Adam Ormord as he sits down with New York Times bestselling author and spiritual director, Emily P. Freeman. In this episode, Adam and Emily explore the art of decision-making and discernment as well as the profound impact of change in our lives. Emily shares insights from her book and discusses the importance of trusting oneself and God in the journey of life. Emily P. Freeman is the New York Times bestselling author of six books, including How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away. Emily received her masters in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University where she also serves as a residency lecturer. As a spiritual director, her most important work is to help create soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Her nationally ranked podcast, The Next Right Thing, has more than 28 million downloads and she regularly offers perspective and clarity through her weekly newsletter, The Soul Minimalist. #SpiritualFormation #DecisionMaking #EmilyPFreeman #Podcast The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"It's my goal that people really experience their union with Christ, the depth of security they have with Him, and the freedom to minister out of God's love." - Sean Nemecek On today's episode, Adam Ormord (President and Founder of LifePoint Resources) remixes a former episode (Episode 16) to remind us of the very serious issue of burnout and the invitation to follow Jesus into freedom. Sean Nemecek is the author of The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout and the Executive Director of PIR Ministries. Sean served as a pastor for 18 years prior to joining PIR. Now he works as both a spiritual director and ministry coach — specializing in coaching people through burnout and helping organizations develop an anti-burnout culture. He is all about helping people feel seen, heard, and known in the welcoming presence of our loving God. It's critical to continue this conversation of soul health as we recognize an even more elevated state of anxiety and exhaustion affecting so many people in our communities and churches today. “Burnout is an experience of intense anxiety, shame, and often, grief that shows up as anger, but it’s the shame piece that causes us to isolate from people. The only way to overcome shame is for it to be witnessed in community of compassionate, empathetic, and understanding people.” “Recovery is what happens when our ministry flows out of our life with God...to be so filled up with the love of God that it begins to naturally spill out of us into the lives of others around us.” "The Weary Leader’s Guide to Burnout: A Journey from Exhaustion to Wholeness" is Outreach Magazine's 2024 Leadership Resource of the Year. It also won a Silver Medalion Award (2024 Christian Book Awards Finalist in Ministry Resources). Learn more at www.wearyleadersguide.com. You can engage with Sean Nemecek at several online locations: Seannemecek.com; The Pastor's Soul (Blog); Facebook, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram: @pastorsoul. #SoulHealth #UnionWithChrist #SpiritualDirection #Weary #Leader #Burnout #Freedom #InteriorFreedom #SeanNemecek #AdamOrmord #LifePointResources The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Join us as we explore the posture of a pilgrim with Marilyn Vancil, delving into how the Enneagram can guide us in living a surrendered life with God day by day. Marilyn Vancil is a renowned author, teacher, and spiritual director known for her deep insights into the Enneagram and its application in personal and spiritual growth. Marilyn has dedicated her life to helping individuals discover their authentic selves and live with intention and purpose. Her books, including "Self to Lose, Self to Find" and "Beyond the Enneagram," explore the transformative power of understanding one's Enneagram type and embracing a journey of spiritual exploration. Marilyn's work is characterized by her compassionate approach and her commitment to guiding others toward wholeness and freedom. Resources Mentioned: Self to Lose, Self to Find (Marilyn Vancil) Beyond the Enneagram (Marilyn Vancil) Suscipe Prayer (St. Ignatius of Loyola) Key Topics: Understanding the "Posture of a Pilgrim" in daily life; How the Enneagram aids in spiritual transformation and self-discovery; The journey from adapted self to authentic self #PilgrimPosture #SpiritualJourney #Enneagram #MarilynVancil The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Our host, Adam Ormord, welcomes Pastor Jim Powell to the table to discuss their recent transformative journeys along an ancient pilgrimage path in Spain called the Camino de Santiago. Jim Powell is the Lead Pastor of Palm West Community Church in Sun City West, Arizona. Prior to this, he served for 21 years as the Lead Pastor of Richwoods Christian Church in Peoria, Illinois. Jim is also the founding director of the 95Network, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping and encouraging small to mid-sized congregations. He studied one year at Columbia International University in South Carolina, later earning a B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies from Quincy University and an M.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Lincoln Christian Seminary. Jim is a widower; his wife of 35 years passed away in September 2024. He has two sons, Timothy (25) and Trevor (21). He’s also an avid pickleball player. Jim is the author of Dirt Matters: The Foundation for a Healthy, Vibrant, and Effective Congregation, and is a frequent speaker at conferences and ministry events. His work has been featured in Leadership Journal, Outreach Magazine, Christianity Today, Guideposts, Christian Standard, ChurchLeaders.com, and more. In today's episode, Jim and Adam share personal stories and reflections revealing the deep connections formed with fellow pilgrims and the spiritual practices that came alive on the Camino. Discover how the Camino became a path of restoration and renewal, offering lessons in presence, the power of community, and the simple joy of walking every day with God. Whether you're seeking inspiration in your daily walk with God or contemplating your own pilgrimage, may you say "yes" to the invitation to embrace the journey with Jesus and find meaning in every step. #CaminoDeSantiago #JourneyWithJesus #Pilgrimage #BuenCamino #CaminoFrances #LifePointResources #Adam Ormord #JimPowell The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"One of the things we are watching couples experience is a deepening compassion for each other that overflows into their entire life together. Things just start to look different when you have a little bit more of a picture of your spouse's interior life, a picture of their soul." - Rachel Hehr Adam Ormord welcomes Bryan and Rachel Hehr to the table for a conversation about the many resources and offerings of CURATE Ministries, a spiritual formation and soul care ministry. Bryan and Rachel launched CURATE in 2018 while serving in various ministry contexts in California. They now reside in Colorado Springs (CO) and work together to develop the wide-reaching resources and programs of CURATE, all the while raising two young children. "Our mission and purpose is to walk alongside individuals and communities with the aim of growing in the fullness of Christ. Our hope is that we help you to curate your heart in order that you may experience God’s fullness and be transformed into the image of Christ." Among their many experiential and relational offerings, CURATE guides married couples through the Ignatian Exercises. Here's a brief description from their webpage: "The Ignatian Exercises are a deeply transformative journey, used for centuries by followers of Jesus who desire to walk more closely with Him. Experiencing the Ignatian Exercises with your spouse is an opportunity to cultivate spiritual intimacy with one another as well as to deepen your own connection to Jesus." If you are interested in learning more about the Ignatian Exercises for couples, or about CURATE's brand new Spiritual Direction Training Program, Poema, please visit www.curateministries.org. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

“What does it mean to bring my life into tune with what God longs for, with what God desires, with what God wants for my life and for the world? For me, that is a very dynamic day-by-day invitation.“ - Trevor Hudson In this episode, Adam Ormord (host) is joined by guest, Trevor Hudson, to discuss his latest book, "In Search of God's Will: Discerning a Life of Faithfulness and Purpose." Trevor is an author and an ordained minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. After spending forty years doing pastoral ministry in a local congregation, he now gives his time to lecturing, teaching, and writing in the areas of spiritual formation and spiritual direction. Trevor is married to Debbie and together they have two married children. Trevor’s journey as a pastor in South Africa has been nothing short of incredible, including sharing a prison cell with Desmond Tutu. Trevor is a prolific author and a lifelong pilgrim on the Jesus Way. He’s a faithful apprentice of Jesus who has much to teach us about discernment as a way of life with God. Please take a moment to leave a review, and be sure to share this podcast episode with those in your circle of influence. You can purchase Trevor's latest book, "In search of God's Will," here. Also, read more about the simple yet profoundly transformative practice of Examen here. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Adam Ormord, President and Co-Founder of LifePoint, invites Scott Shaum to the podcast to explore the profound themes of suffering, grief, and the spiritual journey. Scott is an anglican priest, spiritual director, and member of the Executive Leadership Team at Barnabas International. Scott is also the author of "The Uninvited Companion: God's Shaping Us in His Love Through Life's Adversities." The conversation delves into the theology of suffering, emphasizing the paradox of a loving God amidst human pain, and the necessity of endurance and awareness of God's presence in the middle of our suffering. Scott shares his profound journey through suffering, beginning with his battle against dengue fever and the subsequent health challenges he faced. He reflects on the silence of God during his darkest moments and how he learned to find God's presence in that silence. Scott discusses the paradox of suffering as a means of redemption and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'Dark Night of the Soul.' He explores the spirituality of suffering, the relevance of Jesus' suffering, and the role of spiritual direction in navigating pain. The conversation culminates in the significance of naming loss and grief as essential steps in the healing process, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and presence in our lives. A special thanks to Matt Etter for sharing his song, "It's the Scars," and granting us permission to share it with our global podcast audience. (Writing credit to Matt Etter, Amy Clemens, and Randy Morrison.) The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Summary In this episode of the Being Formed podcast, Adam Ormord engages in a heartfelt conversation with Joe Chambers, exploring the themes of soul care, the importance of storytelling, and the journey of personal and spiritual growth. Joe shares his experiences as a pastor, the significance of being present for others, and the transformative power of stories in healing. The discussion also touches on the challenges of ministry, including the necessity of setting boundaries. In this conversation, Joe Chambers shares insights from his Sacred Journey Retreats, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for participants. He discusses the themes of identity, vocation, and the rising significance of grief in spiritual journeys. We're all on a journey. Chambers introduces the concept of the Critical Journey, using the metaphor of rapids to illustrate the challenges faced in faith. He also highlights the role of prayer during difficult times, particularly in navigating spiritual rapids, and reflects on the ongoing journey of faith and the understanding of life and death. Resources: Visit Field Notes on the Jesus' Way to read and subscribe to Joe's blog. Read "Praying Through Spiritual Rapids" by Joe Chambers (March 20, 2025). Send an email to joseph.o.chambers@gmail.com to find out more about The Sacred Journey Retreat. Learn more about Soul Care Intensives at Crossroads Counseling of the Rockies in Buena Vista, CO. Corrections: The quote, "Tell all the truth but tell it slant," is the first line from a poem with the same title, written by Emily Dickinson. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"To have someone who is listening expressly for the purpose of drawing you out, not for their own curiosity, but simply to help you have clarity in your own life, what an incredible gift that can lead to transformation...life to the full." - Melissa Sievers Our guest on The Being Formed Podcast is Melissa Sievers, a Transformational Coach, a Spiritual Director, and a cherished member of the Soul Care Team at LifePoint Resources. Passionate about helping individuals cultivate inner lives filled with peace, joy, and rest, Melissa finds deep fulfillment in companioning those seeking a more abundant life. Other key themes in her work include serving church and ministry leaders, supporting sabbaticals, pursuing discernment in vocational transitions, navigating burnout, and creating healthy life rhythms. Melissa Sievers and Adam Ormord unpack the uniqueness of Transformational Coaching through the lens of John 10:10 and the game-changing statement of Jesus, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV) What do we mean by transformational coaching? How does coaching fit under the umbrella of soul care? What is the posture of coaching, and how does it differ from a spiritual direction relationship? What would it look like for you to move toward a deeper discovery of what's actually happening beneath the surface and move to lasting change? We do our best to answer these questions and more on today's podcast episode. Melissa Sievers and the team at LifePoint can help you discover clarity and courage to transform your life in ways that lead to flourishing from the inside out and experience life to the fullest! Learn more about Transformational Coaching and request a complimentary discovery call today. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Ken Shigematsu (Pastor and Author, Tenth Church) sat down with Adam Ormord (Founder and President, LifePoint Resources) for an important conversation on the topic of shame. What is it? What happens when we wear shame as our identity? What is the answer to our shame? Ken Shigematsu lives in Vancouver with his wife, Sakiko, and their son, Joey. He is senior pastor of Tenth Church (www.tenth.ca) in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the largest and most diverse city-center churches in Canada. Before entering pastoral ministry, he worked for the Sony Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Ken's first book, "God in My Everything," was an international bestseller. It was selected as the Word Guild 2014 Christian Living book of the year and received honorable mention for the Grace Irwin Prize, Canada's largest literary award for Christian writers. Ken's second book was "Survival Guide for the Soul: How to Flourish Spiritually in a World that Pressures Us to Achieve." It received the Word Guild 2019 Christian Living book of the year award. Ken is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to Canadians in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country and the author of the international bestseller God in My Everything, which was released in 2023. Even with all of his accolades and awards, Ken is one of the most humble and generous leaders out there. He shares his own story with genuine openness and vulnerability and invites others to do the same, as you will hear in this conversation. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"These all look to You. This is the way of all things, rock badgers and leviathans included." (Brandon Booth) The tables are turned on this episode of The Being Formed Podcast as our host, Adam Ormord, is interviewed by Brandon Booth (host of The Signpost Inn Podcast). Brandon is a spiritual director, author, retreat leader, and the co-founder of SignPost Inn Ministries. Signpost Inn's mission is to walk alongside you in this chaotic and distracting life, offering compassion and resources to help lift your gaze to Jesus and sustain your attention on his loving presence. Our conversation is based on a 2024 article, written by Adam, entitled "We All Look to You." It's an invitation to look to someone bigger than ourselves, bigger than even our best human vision of flourishing. It’s an invitation to look to God, not to politicians, preachers, or podcast hosts. The more we look to God, the more we notice God, and the more we notice God, the more we see the greatness of God’s Kingdom in this present moment - here and now, yet not fully revealed. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

In this conversation, Casey Tygrett and Adam Ormord explore the complexities of memory, the nature of the soul, and the importance of spiritual formation. They discuss how our memories shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world around us. The conversation emphasizes the significance of engaging with our memories through practices like journaling to foster personal growth and connection with God. Casey Tygrett has been involved in the work of spiritual formation for nearly 25 years. Through various positions in churches, seminaries, and para-church organizations, his work in writing and speaking have aligned to create content that is wise and helpful for the journey of life and faith.  Casey earned his Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation degree from Lincoln Christian Seminary (Lincoln, IL). He completed the Tending the Holy spiritual direction training program in 2015, and since then has been providing spiritual direction to individuals both privately and through the ministry of Soul Care. Casey is the author of three books, Becoming Curious: A Spiritual Practice of Asking Questions (2017) and The Practice of Remembering: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life (Re-release 2024), and The Gift of Restlessness: A Spirituality For Unsettled Seasons (April 2023). The book The Practice of Remembering was awarded the 2020 Award of Merit in Spiritual Formation by Christianity Today. Visit https://www.caseytygrett.com to discover all the good ways you can partner with God to tend to your soul. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources. Keywords: spiritual direction, soul care, memory, transformation, Casey Tygrett, spiritual formation, presence, practices, church, soul, distraction, original blessing, journaling, Casey Tygrett, Adam Ormord, personal growth, faith

What color is God's skin? What color is God's skin? I said it's black, brown, yellow, and it's red, and it's white. Everyone's the same in the Good Lord's sight. What if our practices of being with God, while distinct and different across the vast landscape of time and cultures, actually held far more in common than we thought? What do we have to learn from our brothers and sisters in the global church? What do we have to learn from our next door neighbors? What does love look like as the first and most important soul care practice which sets the stage for everything else? Our guest, Dr. Barabara Peacock, is the author of "Spiritual Practices for Soul Care: 40 Ways to Deepen Your Faith," as well as the award-winning book, "Soul Care in African American Practice." She also wrote Psalm 119 Scriptural Journal and Called to Teach (Acronym C.A.L.L.E.D. means Commissioned As Leaders, Learners, Educations and Disciples). Dr. Peacock is passionate about the disciplines of prayer, spiritual direction (soul care), lectio, and visio divina. In 2013 she founded Barbara L. Peacock Ministries. This ministry is committed to providing safe spaces for encounters with God. More recently, she founded Peacock Soul Care where she offers training in spiritual direction, spiritual formation, and writing your spiritual autobiography. Dr. Peacock grew up in Whiteville, NC, where she attended elementary school. She graduated from West Columbus High School, Cerro Sordo, NC. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC; her Master of Arts Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey; and her Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA. Her doctoral focus was Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders. Dr. Barbara Peacock is a trustworthy guide through the landscape of spiritual formation and soul care as she honors a current iteration of a much older movement which has been around for thousands of years. From the time when Jesus woke early in the morning to be alone with his Heavenly Father, through the years of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, through the Middle Passage of slave ships bound for the shores of North America, through the 20th century, and right up until today, Barbara looks back, looks forward, and looks around for signs of faith, hope, and love. She is a much-heralded and much-needed voice for the Church today. Correction: The author of "Joy Unspeakable" is Barbara Holmes. Bonus Content: In response to Adam's curious off-air question about the song of her soul, Barbara offered to sing her response. May this conversation stir a song in you. May you hear the Singer, the Voice of Love, singing a song over you to simply be loved. This is the beginning, the center, and the end of all our spiritual practices. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Being Formed Podcast! We're kicking off the new year with a very personal and powerful conversation between Adam and Rebekah Ormord, the co-founders of LifePoint Resources. Rebekah and Adam unpack the harder parts of their journey together, including the pain, trauma, and inward "soul work" that God compassionately initiated at God's own pace. All the parts of their story helped prepare them for a shared ministry that is deeply intimate and restorative. Truly, God's Spirit is bringing beauty out of ashes. May this episode be a reminder to all who listen that God is always with you, always loving you, always delighting in you, and always inviting you on a journey marked not by failure but by faith, hope, and love. Even when it seems like your path has reached a dead end, take heart, God is never finished loving you and calling you into deeper intimacy. The journey with Jesus is still at hand. If you would like to speak to Adam, Rebekah, or any of the soul care team members at LifePoint Resources, please visit our about page or fill out this contact form and we will get in touch with you. The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

"Christmas, of all seasons in the year, should be the time where true meaning can be found. However, by the end of December many attest to experiencing exhaustion rather than significance, stress rather than joy, and more consumer debt than spiritual abundance. Is this really what the Christmas story offers the world?" Adam Ormord welcomes pastor and author, AJ Sherrill, to The Being Formed Podcast for a conversation about slowing down and savoring the gifts of Advent and Christmas in ways that will lead not to exhaustion but to transformation. AJ Sherrill has led churches across the country from Southern California to New York City. He now pastors Saint Peter's Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Sherrill has taught doctoral courses on preaching and the enneagram at Fuller Theological Seminary. Rediscovering Christmas is his latest book. Visit him at ajsherrill.org, Instagram.com/aj_sherrill and X.com/ajsherrill. Visit LifePoint Resources to learn more about our Advent and Christmas Soul Study. We will be reading and reflecting on AJ's book, Rediscovering Christmas. Praise for Rediscovering Christmas “Rediscovering Christmas draws us into the mystery and messiness of the birth of Jesus Christ in our broken world. Skillfully weaving together his faithful excavations into the biblical text, deep digging into the customs of first-century Judaism, and keen sensitivity to the challenges Christ-followers face today, AJ invites us to place one foot in the ancient Christmas story and our other foot in our own everyday lives. Thus, he both helps us to attend faithfully to the timeless message of the Christmas drama and guides us into those practices that bring our lives more in tune with its central character.” (Trevor Hudson, minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and author of In Search of God’s Will) “If you want a thoughtful, informed, challenging, world-shifting, life-shaping interruption that might reintroduce the presence of God in this earthly journey, where the secret of the ordinary is that it was meant to be the vessel of the divine, this is your book and AJ is your guide.” (John Ortberg, founder of BecomeNew.com) The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

As our schedules inevitably fill up for the holidays, we recognize a deeper desire to lean into spaciousness and rest with God. How do we slow down and pay attention to the transforming work God is doing in us and in the world? How do we partner with God rather than resist the movement of the Spirit inviting us to greater freedom?   Adam Ormord welcomes Jen Manglos to episode 21 of The Being Formed Podcast for a timely conversation on pilgrimage as a spiritual practice.   As a spiritual director, pastor, and pilgrimage guide, Jen Manglos delights in helping others discover their own belovedness in God through an embodied, creative approach to spirituality. Since receiving her MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology she has moved into providing care and support for wanderers, women, and leaders in the ministry and nonprofit worlds. She currently resides in Seattle where she is enjoying that PNW life.   2025 Pilgrimage Offerings: Camino Portuguese with Nuos Formation, June 9-17, 2025; Deadline Dec. 2 Camino for Female Pastors, June 25-July 5, 2025; Deadline Dec. 2 St. Cuthbert's Way to Lindisfarne, September 5-14, 2025; Deadline Dec. 2 Camino Portuguese, September 24-Oct. 2; Deadline Jan. 26 To learn more and connect with Jen, visit her website at  www.jenmanglos.com.   Resources Mentioned: The Art of Pilgrimage, by Phil Cousineau A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago (Camino Francés), by John Brierley   The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.

“I feel like I’ve had some kind of breakthrough related to feeling full permission, full blessing, to live with unconditional love for people around me, and some insight into some of the walls that were there that were keeping me from believing that truly being unconditionally loving is the way to be.” (Cheri Hudspith) Our host, Adam Ormord, welcomes Lori Shoults and Cheri Hudspith (Co-Directors of Practice Collective) to The Being Formed Podcast to discuss the Ignatian Journey and the life-changing invitation to join Jesus on the way. Their story is not unlike yours. God is always present, trying to get your attention, moving you into places of deeper trust and surrender. Are you ready to take the journey? Practice Collective is a Christ-centered non-profit ministry providing holistic experiences, safe communities, and relevant resources that invite and encourage followers of Jesus Christ on their inward and outward journey of spiritual transformation. Lori Shoults is the curator/designer of The Ignatian Journey: A Contemporary Approach to the Spiritual Exercises. She leads groups through The Ignatian Journey and is one of the retreat hosts for the Pastors, Priests, and Guides Retreat. She served for several years on The Practice team at Willow Creek Community Church and for three years was the Program Coordinator for the Spiritual Formation Certificate Program through Moody Distance Learning. She is passionate about spiritual formation, spiritual direction, and inviting others into a deeper intimacy with Christ. You can reach Lori at lorishoults@practicecollective.org. Cheri Hudspith assists leaders with the unique challenges and joys of bringing Spiritual Formation ways of learning and growing into the local church. Initially, this began by training Life with God leaders, a three-year journey offered through Grafted Life Ministries, and eventually expanded into other relationships developed beyond that organization. She also completed her training in Spiritual Direction through Selah - LTi in 2013. She loves meeting with directees and now enjoys training future directors as a Supervisor through the same program. She also has experience leading retreats, Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, and guiding life-mapping tools. You can reach Cheri at cherihudspith@practicecollective.org. Resources mentioned in today's episode: The Ignatian Journey The Ignatian Adventure (Kevin O'Brien, SJ) Article: Suppose We All Presupposed? Also recommended: Article: Mary and the Prayer of Indifference (Ruth Haley Barton) Practice: Prayer for Indifference (from Trinity Church) Seeking God: Finding Another Kind of Life with St. Ignatius and Dallas Willard (Trevor Hudson) A New Liturgy No. 6: The Examen The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.