Where can you go to have an open-minded, non-judgemental, non-pressured conversation with others who are interested in spiritual things? People who identify as ‘spiritual, but not religious” (SBNR) are often seeking such environments.
That was the question that Gillian Power asked herself as she was discerning what God might be calling her to do. Following her time in The Connectors TWO, our diocesan missional leadership learning cohort, the pioneer minister from the Parish of Hatchet Lake and Terence Bay, launched a safe community space.
“The Prospect Road Spiritual Café is a Facebook group of people mostly in our local community who are interested in exploring the various aspects of spirituality,” explained Jill. “Daily, we post thought-provoking and uplifting messages on our webpage. Once a week we post a question, often using the Faith Sharing Cards, which generates illuminating discussions.”
A monthly Zoom gathering holds safe space for people to learn, share and ask questions about a wide range of spiritual themes. Guest speakers present about topics like: Introduction to Meditation; Your Brilliant Mind; Understanding Islam; Understanding the Quaker Faith; The Dynamic Power of Prayer; and The Healing Power of Reiki.
“We are open to those who are on a spiritual journey – people with or without a religious affiliation,” she said. “Those who utilize alternative spiritual practices and traditions, and those who have no defined spiritual beliefs, but are curious.”
Jill has a heart for people who are exploring faith-related issues. “There are a number of people in the community who would consider themselves ‘spiritual, but not religious.’ Many people who have been raised in the church have since fallen away from the church for a myriad of reasons,” she said. “Others have never been exposed to religious teachings, but are reluctant to participate in organized religion.”
As a Connector TWO participant, Jill conducted an online survey, receiving feedback from about 30 people who belong to the local Brookside Community Homeowners Association Facebook page. All of them expressed a desire for an opportunity to investigate various aspects of spirituality.
“I wanted to explore how we – the ‘churched’ – can develop relationships with the ‘unchurched’ (or ‘de-churched’), and come to an understanding that we are all on the same spiritual path or journey and that we may not be that different in our beliefs,” she explained. “This means meeting people where they are and helping them deepen their relationship with the Spirit within. It may also mean changing our language, moving away from our churchy words to a language that is more universally accepted.
Growing steadily, there are 76 members of The Prospect Road Spiritual Café Facebook group. “This is a combination of church people (14 who come from our parish), those who may never have been church-goers and those of various faiths, such as Quaker, Buddhism, etc.,” said Jill. “While most of our members are in the local community, we have expanded to Cape Breton, the Valley, Ontario and Newfoundland, thanks to our virtual platform.”
The comments have been encouraging and positive. “We have had members share personal stories about challenges in their lives such as loving your (difficult) neighbour as yourself, best gifts they have ever been given, when the miraculous has happened in their lives, and where we find the strength to overcome obstacles,” Jill said. “People who are strong in their faith are being stimulated to discern what they can do in the mission field!”
Relationships take time and so does sharing the Good News. Jill said, “While not every member may comment on the posts, they are reading the comments from those of us who willingly share, and thus maybe we are planting seeds of hope and love!”
“Being spiritual means seeking meaning and purpose beyond our material world, being drawn to hope and not giving in to despair. It means recognizing the light within us (God), the unconditional love we are offered, and making choices to enhance our spiritual journey,” she said. “This light and love are sorely needed in our world today.”
Those who identify as SBNR are hungry for that which is holy. “I regularly hear from people who are searching for spiritual sustenance for mind, body and soul, especially during this most difficult year,” explained Jill. “They are open, intrigued and interested in various aspects of exploring spirituality. They are searching for something that is larger than themselves.”
“God is present in our gathering,” she said. “With our messages of love and peace, and providing an opportunity for deep reflection, participants may come to an experiential knowing that is different from an intellectual knowing.”
The Prospect Road Spiritual Café is a recipient of the Diocese’s New Missional Initiatives 2020 grant.
