Organic Christian Community

  • Nourish Discussion Forum

    Nourishing friendships and ideas through informal, sustained discussion in a casual, lightly moderated, ecumenical, and mutually respectful context.

    + Nourish Discussion Forum

  • Anam Cara Spiritual Direction

    A soul friend ministry offering discernment and guidance, blending narrative methods with Ignatian and Celtic spiritual traditions and practices.

    + Anam Cara Spiritual Direction

Nourish Discussion Forum

A monthly discussion of cultural issues in a casual, lightly moderated forum. Topics vary, as does the conversation. Reach out to Gregory if you’re interested.

  • Seeking to nourish friendships and ideas through casual yet focused conversations.

    An informal discussion group focused on cultural topics held at various locations and participants’ homes.

    It’s free and requires no commitment or religious or theological affiliation.

  • Discussion topics are agreed upon before the meeting.

    Conversation commences after a few minutes of socializing and introductions.

    The moderator kicks off the conversation with a one-minute introduction. The moderator role rotates for each meeting.

    Civil, open conversation commences. Participants are asked to keep their comments and questions brief and focused.

    Disagreements are expected; however, personal attacks and aggressive comments are prohibited.

    A typical gathering lasts 2-3 hours.

  • While the topic for each discussion is determined beforehand, the conversation is not limited.

    Anyone may suggest future discussion topics. Political issues and comments are discouraged.

    Overall, topics should be culturally relevant and of practical importance.

  • While a general understanding of Christian theology is beneficial, advanced or formal education or training is not required.

    Individuals from any denominational and theological background are welcome.

    We ask that each participant come with an open mind and heart and a willingness to learn and inform others.

    1. Participants are asked to keep their comments short and focused.

    2. Interrupting others is not permitted.

    3. Partisan political discussion is discouraged.

    4. All comments and questions should be civil and polite in tone. Personal attacks are prohibited.

    5. References to scripture are welcome, but this is not a bible study.

    6. The moderator will ensure no one dominates the discussion.

    7. Overt attempts at proselytizing are unwelcome.

Anam Cara Spiritual Direction

Anam Cara is Irish for “Soul Friend.” As the name implies, this is an informal but structured spiritual direction process.

It’s not therapy or counseling, but rather an engagement of discernment, reflection, and self-examination aimed at providing clarity or determining one’s path going forward.

  • A ministry of spiritual direction and accompaniment through a series of several, regular, private conversations.

    The conversations occur in a non-judgmental, confidential context.

    The director listens, questions, and offers non-leading observations.

    The seeker determines the agenda and goal, and provides information, insights, and feedback.

    This is a discernment ministry and not a mental health resource. In most cases, the process lasts 5 to 10 sessions.

    While commitments to the process, self-honesty, and punctuality are required, there is no cost.

  • Anam Cara spiritual direction incorporates elements of the following:

    • Ignatian discernment methods

    • Celtic forms of spiritual listening

    • Narrative spirituality

    These elements are blended into a process aimed at helping one discern for an upcoming decision, change, or seeking a way forward on some matter.

  • Anam Cara spiritual direction is an encounter tool for discernment, and personal decision making, and direction setting.

    You set the agenda. The role of the director is to ask questions, offer observations, and promote awareness.

    The process is adaptable for career, relationship, spiritual, or personal issues.

  • The Anam Cara process is a series of discussions focused on a particular issue.

    Once the issue and decision being faced is identified, the director assists the individual in honing in on the voice of Spirit within and recognizing external confirmations.

    A typical meeting lasts from one to one and a half hours.

    In most cases, the process requires 5 to 10 meetings, but it can vary based on individual needs and wants.

    As a ministry, there is no cost. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the entire process and after.

    Process Overview

    Session 1 - Identify the issue and the narrative surrounding it. Explain how discernment works and how to use it.

    Session 2 - Reconfirm the findings of session one and lay out a map for going forward.

    Session 3 and onwards - Utilize tools of reflection, visualization, self-examination, questioning, and reading external signs.

  • If you think you might be interested in engaging this ministry and process, the following is suggested:

    1) Spend some time identifying the decision or issues being faced.

    2) Self-confirm that you wish to use and commit to the Anam Cara process.

    3) Send Gregory an email briefly explaining what you hope to achieve and your schedule of availability.

    He’ll get back to you to set up a time to meet.