Congregational spiritual formation does not exist in a vacuum. Rather, myriad networks crisscross church life. Many a congregational leader has bemoaned this fact—as spiritual fads often undermine the hard work of theological formation that takes place over years in the local church.

Wise leaders might see the shortcomings of such movements, but they are equally as quick to capitalize on the flexibility and creativity of popular religious impulses. While Alpha or the Good News movement—or Integrity or the Campaign for a Living Wage—may cause tension in a congregation, such movements also present exciting and challenging possibilities for congregational education.

In the Episcopal Church, one of our spiritual gurus is the always-controversial Bishop Jack Spong. Nearly every priest I know frets at the impending publication of a new Spong book—as they field threatening phone calls from disgruntled parishioners. One such priest, a friend named David, served a middle-of-the theological road congregation, and anticipated their response. Instead of ignoring the controversial book, he offered a class on it in conjunction with its publication. This served a dual purpose: 1) people had to really read the book—and not just react to the publicity about the book—and understand the Bishop's arguments and 2) it gave both pro- and con-Spongites a safe place to hear each other's perspectives. It was one of the best multi-week series I've ever seen in a church—a genuine exercise in creating a learning community.

Some networks and popular spiritual tools provide opportunities that did not previously exist in congregational life. Movements around Centering Prayer, the Labyrinth, Celtic spirituality, medieval mysticism, spiritual direction, or interest in the Benedictine rule tend to draw together diverse congregational factions in prayer and spiritual life. While people might argue about Bishop Spong or Tim LaHaye, they find themselves all reading Henry Nouwen. Encourage healthy exploration of spiritual practices across a range of traditions and theologies. Engage networks, fads, and gurus directly. In some cases, they can really help.

Questions to consider:

• What popular religious impulses are present in your congregation?
  
• What books are your congregants reading?
  
• Whose lectures do they attend?
  
• What does their seeking say about what you are offering in Adult Formation? About your church's ability to form community?
  
• Is there another way to address some of their concerns?