Why Faithwalking? Interview – Ken Shuman

By Community Contributor

From counseling to meditation, there are plenty of transformational programs that claim to address our deepest human needs. But how do we define these needs, and what keeps Faithwalking from becoming just another program? In this video, our leader Ken Shuman discusses with Marcos Leon the deep needs we have for wholeness and workability in our lives. He explains how Faithwalking can transform us into people who grow in these areas despite living in an anxious and reactive world. Following the video, we invite you to read Ken’s short reflection, “The Case for Faithwalking,” to further explore the uniqueness of what Faithwalking has to offer.

 

 

audio version available below

 

The Case for Faithwalking

A clear statement of the need we address:

We live in a reactive culture where even the most well-intentioned people behave in less than healthy ways.

Everyone has triggers. Marriages, families, churches, businesses, communities and governments are all impacted by people’s lack of ability to work together in healthy and life-giving ways. As a result, most of the systems in our culture are impaired, and many are disintegrating. Individuals and the world remain broken and disunified. Christians inconsistently follow the path of Jesus. We miss out on the fully alive life. The world remains mostly unchanged. Polarization and impulsive bad behavior are on the increase. Simple answers get offered when the real answers lie deep within every individual.

“External conflicts are difficult to resolve before resolving the internal conflicts that fuel them.” Dr. Henry Cloud

We believe that wholeness and workability are God’s intended design. We believe that God desires peace, unity, and soundness in individuals and in systems. We believe that when God’s kingdom invades the earth that wholeness is reclaimed in everyone and that workability is established for everyone.

Reclaiming wholeness and establishing workability in individuals, communities, systems and the world is our mission.

How do we address this need?

We believe that information alone doesn’t transform but that informed practice transforms.

We teach people how to use a set of tools that lead to personal transformation and the fully alive life. We coach them in how to apply the tools in their lives. We empower them to learn to coach themselves as an ongoing way of life. We mobilize them to join with God in God’s ongoing mission in the places where they live, work, and play. Individuals are transforming and becoming more whole, and they then impact systems that become more whole and workable.

What makes us unique? Our mix of resources. Family systems theory, spiritual formation, missional theology, leadership development, and practical self-help. Our process: of information, practice and reflection Our coaching A mix of professionals and volunteers. Our end-game of wholeness and workability in individuals, communities, systems and the world.

How can others help us? Pray, Give, Coach, Volunteer