Brenda is the author of two books, Spiritual Direction and the Metamorphosis of Church (2020) and The Advent of God’s Word: Listening for the Power of a Divine Whisper (2015). Her gifts, skills, experience, and insights from spiritual direction, teaching, and pastoral ministry are captured in print in each of her books. Explore below the focus and heart of each book and what others are saying about Brenda’s writing. You will most likely be led to add both of these insightful books to your own library.
Let God Open Your Church
to Its God-Sized Potential
Set your church free to follow the Spirit of God and become more life-giving through a deeper experience of the living present of Christ. Taking cues from the extraordinary lifecycle of the Monarch butterfly, the practices in this easy-to-implement book are for all who are seeking new ways for opening God-sized potential of faith, leadership, and being in community together through the art and practice of spiritual direction.
From the most learned to seekers and students of faith looking for authentic community, this book will provide a pathway of discovery through the metamorphosis process of spiritual formation. The beloved community of church can be formed in new ways through spiritual direction training. This book provides inward and outward shaping resources for transforming leaders and congregations so that they may discover, claim, and flourish in ministry.
Praise for Spiritual Direction and the Metamorphosis of Church
“In this richly textured book, Brenda Buckwell identifies historic practices of spiritual direction and weaves them thoughtfully into the fabric of the Christian community. She employs the metaphor of the butterfly as a developmental vision of a loving and grace-filled life with God—a practical and profoundly relevant guide to spiritual development that enables the church to soar.”
—Paul W. Chilcote, PhD, United Methodist theologian, historian, and author
“How do we birth authentic community in our churches? In this book, Brenda Buckwell breathes new life into spiritual formation, expanding the frame to include congregational transformation, along with personal and small group spiritual direction. With her easy-to-read style, she tenderly offers practical tools and stories. The book is perfect as we experience new ways of being church.”
—Kay Lindahl, CPP, author of The Sacred Art of Listening and Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening
“The author’s commitment and passion for the formative life of the church is contagious. Through this practical book by a seasoned leader and spiritual director, Buckwell gifts the wide spectrum of the Body of Christ with a labor of love, which we need to receive with an open heart and mind.”
—Wil Hernandez, PhD, Obl. OSB, Executive Director of CenterQuest and author of Nouwen Trilogy
“The spiritual growth and guidance of the local congregation is often poorly understood by those who train our pastors and those who oversee local churches. We need to understand more about the spiritual life of the faith community—because every congregation has a unique place in the larger Body of Christ. We need to understand how to nurture the spiritual growth of our spiritual leaders—both lay and clergy. This book brings research, experience, and insight to help meet these needs.”
—Tom Albin, Director of Spiritual Formation & Congregational Life, The Upper Room
Wesley’s Foundery Books is an imprint of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. These books are clearly and accessibly written, with an emphasis on church life and ministry. Representing the rich diversity of the church, Wesley’s Foundery Books offer a disciplined and balanced approach and are available in the U.S. and U.K. GHBEM Publishing is an affiliate member of the Association of University Presses.
Click this link for
Resources for Leaders Using & Studying
Spiritual Direction and the Metamorphosis of Church
Quiet your heart and listen for the loving whispers of God during the Advent season
“The weeks leading up to Christmas are often hectic times preparing for the holy celebration of Jesus’ birth. This book provides an opportunity for you to pause, take a refreshing breath of the Holy Spirit, and look beyond the surface of the lights and glitter to notice the inward shaping of Jesus’ virtues of hope, love, joy and peace for faithful living. It sets a course for daily retreat and devotional living into the new era for hope and unity in the heart of Christ.” (from the Introduction)
Are you missing out on the true meaning and mystery of Advent amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Rev. Dr. Brenda K. Buckwell, Obl. OSB, invites you into a daily retreat experience, offering inspiring reflections, fresh perspectives on the season’s traditional scripture readings, and creative ways to let God’s word sink deep into your heart and soul. With prayer practices that engage the senses and guidance in creating a visual reflection in response to each day’s reading, she helps you move beyond articulation of what you know of God to discover the possibilities awaiting you.
Praise for The Advent of God’s Word
“Perfect for the way we really live in the holier seasons and outside of them. You will begin the church year again and again with it―and find the renewal you need to be born again and again.”
― Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, senior minister, Judson Memorial Church, New York City; coauthor, Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight―A Beginner’s Guide
“Mature, inspiring spiritual guidance… An imaginative framework of weekly practices, scriptural companions and questions … leads seekers to embrace the personal call to further realize and live from their own true self in Christ.”
― Rev. Tilden Edwards, founder and senior fellow, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
“Timely… based on solid biblical and historical theologies… Will lead your faith community and family to an exciting yet reflective Advent adventure.”
― HiRho Y. Park, PhD, DMin, director of clergy lifelong learning, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Methodist Church
“A focused, creative invitation to a deeper spiritual journey… Can help you step aside from the cultural chaos of Christmas… A fine resource for Bible study and adult education groups in many settings.”
― Peter Bankson, coauthor, Calling on God: Inclusive Christian Prayers for Three Years of Sundays; longtime steward of Seekers Church, Washington, DC
“Expands on historic spiritual practices… With detailed and supportive guidance … makes a personal or group Adventure seem possible. This engaging book inspires me to make my next Advent different.”
― Rev. Martha Spong, editor, There’s a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor
“Brenda Buckwell’s generous spirit guides us as we listen afresh for the divine birthing in our hearts this Advent. Be inspired with new perspectives … [and] the whispers of Divine love.”
― Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
“A new adventure in Advent with art, music, visuals and movement enriching scripture and spiritual practice. This holy preparation will make your life and Christmas ‘calm and bright.”
― Rev. Larry Peacock, author, Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Sages, Psalms and Prayer Practices; executive director, Rolling Ridge Retreat Center
“Packed full of creative resources that entice us to dig deeper into the spirit of Advent through the employment of rich, transformative practices…. Truly a welcome gift!”
― Wil Hernandez, PhD, Obl. OSB, executive director, CenterQuest; author, Mere Spirituality: The Spiritual Life According to Henri Nouwen