Outfitter

In November of 2019 I was turning 50. On a prayer walk one morning I heard God say that the ministry I had been dreaming about was to be called Jesus Expedition. Months earlier, He had told me I was to become an outfitter. I envisioned the people working at REI. These people know all about the gear, clothing, accessories you need for your upcoming outdoor adventure. I knew my desire was to take a journey to the heart of God and somehow the spiritual practices I was learning about in my seminary classes were the “gear” that would help me open myself to God and take that journey. Still, that was my own trek…outfitters assist and equip others for their unique journey.

I wondered, “how does one become an outfitter?” I sensed His reply was simple and practical: “The companies that manufacture the products teach them all about them and they use the products themselves.” Then, I thought about the ancient Christian practices I was learning in my spiritual formation classes and how I was using them to draw near to Jesus. My brothers and sisters in Christ who had lived in generations before me and had developed these spiritual disciplines and practices and now it was my turn to be outfitted with them, use them, and share them with others through spiritual direction.

Are you looking for a few simple tools to help you maintain a posture that is open to God? Are you looking for a companion (or community along the way)? I would love to hear about what you think of when you hear the words “Jesus Expedition” or “Outfitter”.