Rev. Thom Muller is pastor at the Swedenborgian Society of the East Bay at Hillside, an Urban Sanctuary, in El Cerrito, CA, senior editor of Our Daily Bread and a street chaplain with the San Francisco Night Ministry. His passions include the intersection of spirituality and psychology, interfaith theology, and the Western esoteric tradition.

Keywords

love, ministry, Swedenborgianism, spirituality, community, sacred disillusionment, inner journey, holistic practices, street chaplaincy, optimism

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Rev. Sage Cole and Rev. Thom Muller explore the profound themes of love, spirituality, and community within the context of Swedenborgianism. They discuss the journey of discovering Swedenborg, the importance of sacred disillusionment, and the balance between solitude and community in spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to spirituality, the role of active presence in ministry, and the significance of nurturing both love and wisdom in one’s life. Ultimately, they reflect on the optimism and hope that comes from embracing the present moment and the journey of new life in spirituality.

Takeaways

Usefulness is a key goal in ministry and personal fulfillment.

Swedenborgian teachings emphasize the importance of love and wisdom in spiritual life.

Community support is vital for personal spiritual journeys.

Disillusionment can lead to new insights and growth.

Spiritual practices should balance inner reflection and outer action.

Engagement with the world is essential for spiritual development.

The role of institutions should support individual spiritual experiences.

Optimism is a core aspect of Swedenborgian philosophy.

Love and wisdom are guiding principles in all spiritual practices.

Sound bites

“Usefulness is the most important thing.”

“The church is something that’s within.”

“Your wisdom will not grow if you don’t integrate love into it.”

“There are countless ways for us to live the new church.”

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Love in Ministry

00:50 Finding Purpose and Usefulness

01:16 The Journey to Swedenborgianism

02:58 Exploring Community and Solitude

05:38 The Balance of Inner and Outer Life

08:32 The Role of Organizations in Spiritual Growth

11:09 Embracing Newness and Disillusionment

13:40 Integrating Love and Wisdom in Practice

18:02 Interconnected Roles in Spirituality

21:13 Balancing Intellectual and Heart-Based Spirituality

24:50 Street Chaplaincy and Active Presence

30:25 Self-Care for Ministers

33:55 Embracing Authenticity in Ministry

Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com

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