Despite all of the magnificent achievements of western civilization, our understanding of the human body and human psyche, there still seems to be a deep- seated dissatisfaction with the sort of world that purely material values have created. There is an intuitive conviction that ‘there has to be more to life than this.’ The Christian faith teaches that there is. Christian spirituality takes faith a step further and enables a person to experience the mystical reality of the presence of Yahweh the creator (Yahweh is the Name of the Christian God) through time tested and honoured techniques. This awareness can be called SQ (Spiritual Quotient) This is the part of us that becomes aware that there is a transcendent reality around us that cannot be normally seen or experienced by the five physical senses. Cutting edge medical researchers have began to understand that in neuroscience to be fully human means to have a spiritual connection. This discipline is known as neurotheology.

Christian spirituality can be defined in the following way. Every aspect of one’s life is understood through a knowledge of, and in relationship to God revealed in Jesus Christ, and experienced by the indwelling of the Spirit of God in ourselves, in the Church, and in creation. Time honoured techniques that need to be learnt and practiced enable the Christian to have a living faith and vibrant spirituality that enables us to have transcendent experiences, whilst also being rooted very much in the physicality and practicality of this life. Christian spirituality enables us to become incarnational channels of the grace of God and verbal witnesses to the reality of Jesus Christ.

In today’s English society there seems to be a vast increase in the interest of spiritual matters. It is both a sadness and a wake up call that whilst the Christian Church is in decline other forms of spiritual expression during the 1990's increased by 300% in some areas. The Christian Church is often depicted as a sad and lifeless institution that is stuck in a Christendom mind-set of confrontational denunciation of those pursuing spirituality outside of the Church. This may be true in part for some, but it is not true here at Walmer Baptist Church.

Those who are genuinely searching for answers to spiritual questions can find a non-coercive atmosphere to pursue their spiritual search and investigate Christian faith and spirituality. We have developed a programme called ‘The Compass Journey’ where people can take the time to take stock of their life and explore the many areas of their life, become more self aware and learn techniques for self-development. You do not have to be a Christian or a church goer to go on 'The Journey.' It is for those in the community who want to engage with life issues and explore themselves with the aim of self improvement on a journey towards wholeness of body, mind and spirit. Follow the link ‘The Compass Journey on our Home Page to find out more.

The truth is that Christians can be and often are deeply spiritual people with an informed awareness of the world around them and the different faith and spiritualities offered in the marketplace of ideas. Christianity has nearly 2,000 years of experience and heritage in developing spiritual habits and methods that enable people to transcend the physical and connect with God through the resurrected Christ by the presence of the Spirit of God that permeates and holds together all of creation.

As a Christian I have learnt to listen before I speak. I have had significant conversations with Druids, occultists, spiritualists, Buddhists, Muslims, and many such people from a vast spiritual and religious milieu. I have had the privilege to visit the vast Angkor Wat Temple in Siam Reap Cambodia and trekked through wild places and viewed ancient temples reclaimed by the dark jungle surrounding them. I have traveled through Pakistan, Malaysia and other nations watching and observing whilst also carrying out my own Christian ministry. I share this because I believe the following to be true... 'You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.' [Augustine] I believe a spiritual search will never be satisfied, until we both find and are found by Christ. Then our lives are redirected and the spiritual search continues, but on a foundation that is firm and secure and will see us developing an awareness of a true spiritual perception where we begin to see a creation permeated by our creator, Yahweh, and a life of potential possibilities based on the informed and deliberate choices we make so that we become the people we have the potential to be and can live a life of wholeness and fulfillment.

I have been a Christian Minister for over 15yrs. I am aware that there are people in Walmer and the surrounding area who are interested in spiritual issues. Some may have had prior experiences with a church some may not. One thing I would suggest, is that those searching and interested in spiritual matters do not reject the church and Christian faith by default without any examination of it. The Compass Journey, as already mentioned, is a service and ministry we offer to the community.

People are also welcome to come to public worship where they can participate in or just observe what takes place in a Christian Church and can discuss spiritual matters with those who come from a Christian perspective. If you would like more information or would like to discuss or discover more regarding any of the issues I have written about here contact details are on the Contact link on the Home Page.