OUR MISSION:
Equipping people for Christian spiritual vitality and intentional living. OUR VISION:
To ignite a global movement of Christian spiritual vitality. |
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Incarnational Spirituality For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 There’s a sense in which the incarnation is a two-way street. Jesus was born in the flesh so that we could be born in the Spirit. Jesus put on the flesh so that we could put on his new nature. Jesus became poor that we might become spiritually wealthy in Kingdom riches. Why is it, then, that we are living lives that often fail to exhibit these realities?
The promise of Christmas—and of Easter—is that we can enter into the fullness of life in Christ through intentional commitment. This isn’t a luxury for those who have time. It’s a necessity for those who are hard pressed under the daily pressures of life.
Parker Palmer’s comments on contemplation apply to spiritual exercises. He wrote, “Contemplation becomes more than a luxury to be indulged when the worries of the world are behind us, but a way of changing consciousness that may have more impact on the world than strategic actions can have… for the function of contemplation in all its forms is to penetrate illusion and help us to touch reality” (The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity, and Caring, 17, 25).
Our passion at Lorica Ministries is to equip people to strip away life’s illusions and live with spiritual power, resilience, and joy. Thank you for your support and encouragement. We pray daily for you to experience Christ’s abundant life.
A blessed Christmas to you all. |
Doug Rumford Founding President and CEO |
UPDATES ON THREE SPECIAL PROJECTS: |
SoulShaping is being offered as a seminary level course. |
In September, Doug completed the filming of 24 30-minute videos for his SoulShaping seminary course that will be offered through the newly founded Flourish Institute of Theology (FIT). Initiated by ECO leadership, FIT is an online independent seminary that is growing rapidly. Their website is https://flourishinstitute.online/ The SoulShaping course will be offered this coming February through May 2024. In addition to viewing Doug’s videos, students will have seven Zoom class sessions with him and participate in Spiritual Formation Groups with their peers for five sessions.
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The Salvation Army Staff of Orange County (CA) has adopted SoulShaping as a primary resource. |
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We are thrilled that the OC Staff has been using SoulShaping as a weekly devotional since May 2023. They have even changed the designation of their weekly devotional time to SoulShaping. Doug presented two SoulShaping workshops for the OC Staff. The August workshop covered chapters 1-11 of his book, and the November workshop covered chapters 12-24. Over 30 staff participated in each workshop.
Following the retreat, Major Ken Perine, Divisional Secretary for the Salvation Army Orange County Command, wrote: “I believe our time working through Doug Rumford’s book, SoulShaping, has produced
positive results for us individually and as a team. Our weekly focus time and two retreats have helped our team become more focused on personal spiritual growth, which in turn has translated into a greater connection towards missional work.
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The ECO Great Lakes Presbytery hosted a SoulShaping Vision Retreat. |
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Doug presented a SoulShaping Vision Retreat for the ECO Great Lakes Presbytery November 10-11 at the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center on Lake Erie, near Toledo, Ohio. Nearly 30 pastors and elders, representing eight congregations, participated in the 24-hour retreat. It was a special joy to have Doug’s wife, Sarah, join in the retreat. On Sunday following the conference, Doug taught an introductory class on SoulShaping and preached for the New California Presbyterian Church (ECO) in Marysville, Ohio.
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CURRENT & COMPLETED PROJECTS |
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SoulShaping as a resource for pastoral candidates – The Spiritual Formation Groups that are part of the ECO Ordination process are using SoulShaping as a resource for candidates preparing for pastoral ministry. Doug will present SoulShaping as a breakout session at the ECO National Gathering in Greenville, SC on January 31, 2024.
Executive Virtual Cohort – Doug will be forming a virtual cohort to come alongside business leaders with coaching and spiritual direction as they seek to integrate their faith with their work and family. To explore becoming part of a cohort, contact: doug@loricaministries.org |
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LORICA MINISTRIES LAUNCH CELEBRATION HUGE SUCCESS!
The Launch Celebration of Lorica Ministries in April 2023 was an exciting opportunity to share the mission and progress of our current ministries as well as Lorica’s vision for the future. What was once just a dream…is now a reality! If you were able to attend, you were likely moved by the testimonials of those already impacted by Lorica Ministries! If you were not able to join us at the Celebration, you can view it in the video archive at www.loricaministries.org
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Spiritual Vitality: People have a biblical worldview and a life-changing experience of God’s presence and power. Intentional Living: People live at the rhythm of God’s pace, redeeming moments for God’s glory and their joy.
Personal Resilience: People grow stronger in their faith and live faithfully through life’s challenges and crises. Fruitful Service: People experience fulfillment in Christ as they serve God’s Kingdom purposes.
Our Goal: By 2030, Lorica Ministries will provide resources and training globally in more than 40 nations, 30 denominations, and 20 other ministries. Our goal is to be part of a movement of Christian spiritual vitality,
not just another program. |
How can you help?
PRAY: We live in a time of disorientation. People are searching high and low for the secrets to happiness, fulfillment, resilience, direction, purpose, comfort, and strength. They are searching for the pathway that will lead them to experience the satisfaction of their heart’s yearning. Pray for them and pray that Lorica Ministries can provide that pathway. LEARN MORE ABOUT LORICA MINISTRIES: Explore our website, take the Assessment, read SoulShaping (Second Edition): From Soul Neglect to Spiritual Vitality.
TELL OTHERS: Let people in your sphere of influence know about the important work that Lorica Ministries is doing. We have a tested plan, practical resources, and dynamic support in coaching, consulting, and cohorts of leaders who experience the power of SoulShaping so they can train others. Our goal is to be part of a movement of spiritual vitality, not just another program. BE AN EVANGELIST: We soon will be organizing international efforts to share SoulShaping and the SoulShaping Experience with Christian missionaries around the world. Help us become aware of ways Lorica can be helpful to those in the Mission Field.
5. DONATE NOW: There is a cost attached to nearly every aspect of launching a ministry like Lorica. Thanks to God for prompting a small group of visionary people who already see the impact of Lorica-sponsored cohorts, the SoulShaping Experience and material. They have given generously and funded the early start-up costs. The time has come when Lorica can benefit from a growing band of folks who want to help launch a ministry which we believe will become an international, Kingdom-building resource that God uses among current and future generations. I hope you will join in with your financial support of Lorica Ministries. There are pledge cards and envelopes or use the QR code to donate securely online.
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| You can give through our website www.loricaministries.org. The QR code is provided for your convenience.
If you prefer to give by check, make it out to Lorica Ministries and mail to: Lorica Ministries 1892 N. Carlsbad St. Orange, CA 92867 |
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.loricaministries.org The site includes information about Lorica Ministries: who we are; what we do, and why it is important. The site also has a free SoulShaping Assessment Tool, complete with personalized feedback, access to SoulShaping books, training materials, and sign-up opportunities for personal coaching and coaching cohorts. |
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