how not to run a marathon, by dave nixon

Hi Friends,
Below is a link to a video clip that’s about 14 minutes in total running time. In it I address “the holy triad” for the maintenance of life: activity, rest, nourishment. I’ve introduced it by telling about two marathon disasters.

Peace to you,
Dave Nixon

Please click here to view Dave's video article.

introduction to sustainable faith, by dave nixon

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz …

… sleep that knits up the ravell’d sleeve of care,
the death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath,
balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course,
chief nourisher of life’s feast. (Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 2)

get a life, read a book, by ken wilson

For a list of suggested reading titles, click here.

In 1756, John Wesley wrote a sermon titled “An Address to the Clergy.” In it, he says, “And as to acquired endowments, can [a pastor] take one step aright, without first a competent share of knowledge?” He goes on to outline why reading not only Scripture, but history, science, philosophy, and other disciplines are absolutely necessary to fulfill the pastoral tasks.

prayer walking, by ken wilson

Need to try something new to help you maintain conscious contact with God? Try prayer walking. This form of prayer is designed especially for pastors who suffer from attention deficit disorder (no kidding) and for those of you who could stand a little exercise. (Did you know, by the way, that 30 minutes of vigorous walking five times a week is equivalent to the therapeutic effect of anti-depressant medication for those suffering from depression?)

spiritual direction for pastors and other sinners, by ken wilson

One of the best investments I've made in the past couple of years is to find myself a "Spiritual Director." Here's a simple description of "Spiritual Direction" from Rick Ganfield, a former auto executive who is also a "Spiritual Director" (and now we can stop using quotes and just refer to it as though it were normal).

praying through the day, by ken wilson

Most pastors I know struggle with their daily prayer. I mean they wish they prayed more and feel vaguely uneasy when the topic comes up. This feature is for them (you.)

going deeper, by ken wilson

Once you start making progress in praying for brief periods through the day (e.g. morning, mid-day and before bed), eventually the Holy Spirit may invite you to "come hither" or go deeper into prayer. When that happens what do you do? For some, it may mean taking a more extended time for Scripture reading (a chapter or two or more). Whatever works do that. There's two other things you might try, in addition to reading Scripture.

the divine hours: a manual for prayer

Learn more about The Divine Hours...

This is the easiest to use version of what is called fixed hour prayer: prayer at more or less fixed intervals throughout the day. Can be used for morning, mid-day, early evening, and before retiring prayers.

how your board can support your inner life, by ken wilson

Vineyard Churches normally have a church board whose task includes supporting the senior pastor and pastoral staff. If you are a church board member what can you do to support the inner life of your pastor?

about dave nixon

Dave travels and teaches frequently on the topics of spiritual formation, spiritual exercise, community, and incarnational ministry. For the last three years he has served with Vineyard-USA as the spiritual director for Pastors Sabbath Retreats. (Click here to visit the Sustainable Faith web site.) He was the founding pastor of Vineyard Central and now works with her house church pastors.