This independent endeavor in spiritual formation, which includes both a newsletter and a podcast, has been growing. There are now nearly 10,000 readers, viewers, and listeners in 26 different countries in Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, and North America. While my goal is to publish nearly every day, I’ve broken my publishing routine the past few days to reflect on where this is going. In the interest of keeping you in the loop, here are some developments:
A New Name for the Newsletter
I was thrilled to invite you to read “Compass: A Spiritual Formation Newsletter” in the beginning. But as I’ve been growing, I began to see the need for new title to reflect my own internal growth. So, while grateful for “Compass: A Spiritual Formation Newsletter,” I’m happy to welcome the next evolution of this publication: The Compass: Navigating the Interior Journey — with a clearer missional target:
The Compass is your navigational guide to a deeper connection with Jesus. Through rich spiritual theology, timeless practices, and powerful storytelling, you'll explore how the ways of Jesus can transform your life and your community.
The Compass invites you to break free from complacency and stagnant living by embracing the transformative power of spiritual formation. The truth is, our lives and communities need not stay the same. The Compass offers an opportunity to embark on a journey into the depths of your own heart and soul. Through exploration and reflection, we discover in Jesus and His ways a profound power and spirit that can renovate our hearts and transform our communities.
For your part, you need do nothing! Your subscription remains the same. Simply open, read and take advantage of the resources you find on The Compass: Nagivating the Interior Journey.
Thank you for reading! I appreciate all who support, subscribe, and share this independent endeavor with friends and family. If you haven’t already — please consider choosing a free or paid subscription as well as gifting a subscription to someone who would enjoy it.
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A New Podcast Feature
Accompanying The Compass is a podcast called The Trailhead. While most of my focus on Substack is spiritual formation for anyone, I sense a burden for pastors. Pastors are going through a difficult stretch in their calling to help communities become aware of the Presence of Living God. I’ve walked on this path and discovered for myself that it often feels like a steep uphill climb. To encourage the hearts of pastors and ministry leaders, I’ll be offering on The Trailhead a weekly podcast called The Pastor’s Heart: Conversations on Calling and Leadership. I’m happy to be joined on this podcast by my friend, Mark Brewster, who led faith communities for three decades and now is following God’s lead to encourage and uplift pastors. Every time we engage in a conversation, I leave wanting to ask 10 more questions! But sometimes we’ll invite other pastors into our conversation as we create space for pastors around the globe in places as diverse as Bangladesh, Belgium, Argentina, Kenya, Greece, and eighteen other countries to know they are seen, valued, and prayed for as they navigate the way to a richer life with Jesus while creating healthy, sutstainable spiritual environments.
A Word of Thankfulness
Finally, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each of you for being part of this journey with The Compass and/or The Trailhead. Whether you've been with me from the start or have recently joined, your presence means so much.
As we navigate the path of spiritual formation together, I am continually inspired by the way this community is growing — not just in knowledge, but in heart. Each story shared, each practice explored, and each tradition revisited helps us to draw closer to the ways of Jesus, renewing our hearts and minds for the work of love and transformation in our world.
Your support, engagement, and willingness to embark on this journey of reflection and growth are truly a gift. I pray that The Compass or The Trailhead continues to be a source of encouragement, inspiration, and challenge as we all seek to grow deeper in faith and live out the truths we encounter.
Thank you for allowing these written and spoken words to be a small part of your spiritual journey. I’m honored to walk alongside you as we continue to seek and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
With heartfelt thanks and blessings,
Gene Maynard, Editor
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