The Art of Pilgrimage was the title I gave to a “stages of faith” study (especially focused on the work of Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich in their book, The Critical Journey) at A&M United Methodist Church during Lent 2018.

One unexpected insight from the course was that of needing to be careful about names and titles.  In spite of the small print of the course description, one attendee signed up – anticipating and expecting a course focused on medieval paintings and sculptures.

It forced an unpacking of the title in our first session together:

By “art,” we are ruling out a science with set laws but a dance. Too, we are suggesting an element of “inspiration”

By “pilgrimage,” we are suggesting a journey, yes, but a journey in which the means is as transforming as the destination.

The Art of Pilgrimage seeks to explore the inspired craft which is our journeys of transformation back home to God.  (At least, that was my hope and intentions.)

It’s certainly our focus and objective in our newest issue of Ruminations—titled more clearly, A Lenten Review of the Stages of Faith (including the “Dark Night of the Soul”). Here, we’ve transferred a host of materials from that course offering (part of practicum work I was about on my way to a professional certification in spiritual formation at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary) and put it in a form that we believe is conducive to individual and small group study.

To engage this newest edition of Ruminations, click here.

As you have any questions or comments (including thoughts about additional resources or movies/media that might inform each stage of faith), we’d love to hear from you!