SACRED PATHWAYS 4.

The Contemplative Pathway

Gary Thomas in his book, Sacred Pathways, identifies seven different
approaches to God that followers of Christ generally employ in their walk
with Christ. The premise is that God has wired each of us to seek Him in
unique ways. That being so, we ought to lean into those pathways as much
as we can. Many have found a new joy and freedom in seeking and
connecting with God by following their particular pathway(s) to abide in
Christ (see John 15:5,7). Below are some helpful notes in identifying your
pathway:
These individuals march to different drummer. They guard
their times alone. People and activities drain them. For them,
being in the presence of God is enough
They often have spiritually sensitive antennae. They are
reflective. They are deep intercessors. They are often the
conscience of the community and are sometimes songwriters.
We too often tell these people to get to work
Design a SFP that includes large measures of solitude
and silence

What does God require/desire? The greatest gift you can give to God is 5. The Activistic Pathway
an undivided, fully surrendered heart They are at their best at speed of Mach 2 They revel in the
challenge and getting past the edge. AOh God@ is their
Our Approach to God Often Varies According to . . . prayer.
* personality * season of life They are not victims of their feverish pace they choose it.
* background * experiences They love and live it that way. They catalyze others to move
* mood * circumstances and accomplish great things for God. They never feel closer
* relationships * relational skills/patterns to God than when they are out the furthest on limb. Their
motto is, My all, my best, my last drop, my final breath!
7 PATHWAYS TO GOD (Sacred Pathways - Gary Thomas) Design a SFP that involves risk and action
1. The Relational Pathway
Solitude/independence/service alone kills them 6. The Creation Pathway
These individuals must have community component They are green believers. Love being in the natural. They are
They are never more fully in touch with God than when they are dramatically impacted by the power of creation.
together with other believers - praying, sharing deeply, laughing, etc. They are closest to God when in nature, a garden or mountain
Design a Spiritual Formation Plan (SFP) that includes people top
Design a SFP that involves nature
2. The Intellectual Pathway
They love a fully engaged mind They devour books and 7. The Worship Pathway
commentaries. Sense that when the head is full the heart is empty. They are
Once their minds are convinced their heart and will follow argued often lost in worship, the music and the mood. They are
into submission never without praise CDs and a hymnal. They sing and love to
They resonate with Love God with all your mind listen and sing along. They often arrange their lives, decisions,
Design a SFP that involves your mind nearly everything around worship.
Design a SFP that involves massive amounts of
3. The Serving Pathway worship
They are all dialed in when serving quietly and consciously in the
vineyard They often even prefer being alone in the service the less TAKING IT HOME
notice the better 1. Identify your preferred pathway(s).
Never more fully in touch w/ God than when serving 2. Resist the temptation to compare or pursue a particular pathway
Design a SFP that includes ministry Avoid pathway envy.
3. Lean into it - try it, develop it, test it, use it
4. Develop an appreciation for all the pathways - stretch in a bit
where you are not as natural.
5. Help others to discover their pathway