About the Book (from the group facilitator, Sierra Neiman Westbrook)
Since welcoming a baby into our family, I haven't read much. So when I do read, I'm especially selective about where I invest my limited time and energy. Krispin Mayfield's Attached to God is one of the few books that has made the cut.
At right around 200 pages it's not overwhelmingly long, but the content is challenging enough that I found myself setting it down time and time again to wrestle with what I was reading. Those of us whose roots are in evangelicalism are not strangers to the concept of "personal relationship with God," but have we ever let ourselves give an honest look at the guilt, fear, shame, apathy, and/or exhaustion we might experience when God doesn't feel as close as God once did? Mayfield, a licensed professional counselor trained in attached-based emotionally focused therapy, is an expert guide in this exploration. Mayfield shows how attachment theory can give us insight into how we experienced our parents or primary caregivers as we grew up, and how that, in turn, may help us better understand how we perceive and relate to God, our heavenly parent. Come and investigate the idea that deeper spiritual experience might be less about our own striving and more about our stepping back and revisiting how we view God.
Please note: You are responsible for obtaining your own copy of the book. Try your local library or favorite bookseller.
I hope you'll join me for this 6-week online book group!
Since welcoming a baby into our family, I haven't read much. So when I do read, I'm especially selective about where I invest my limited time and energy. Krispin Mayfield's Attached to God is one of the few books that has made the cut.
At right around 200 pages it's not overwhelmingly long, but the content is challenging enough that I found myself setting it down time and time again to wrestle with what I was reading. Those of us whose roots are in evangelicalism are not strangers to the concept of "personal relationship with God," but have we ever let ourselves give an honest look at the guilt, fear, shame, apathy, and/or exhaustion we might experience when God doesn't feel as close as God once did? Mayfield, a licensed professional counselor trained in attached-based emotionally focused therapy, is an expert guide in this exploration. Mayfield shows how attachment theory can give us insight into how we experienced our parents or primary caregivers as we grew up, and how that, in turn, may help us better understand how we perceive and relate to God, our heavenly parent. Come and investigate the idea that deeper spiritual experience might be less about our own striving and more about our stepping back and revisiting how we view God.
Please note: You are responsible for obtaining your own copy of the book. Try your local library or favorite bookseller.
I hope you'll join me for this 6-week online book group!
- Dates: April 29 through June 9, 2024 (6 weeks for reading and reflection or optional written discussion, with 2 discussions via Zoom)
- One-hour Zoom discussion sessions on Wednesday, May 15 and Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time
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What does it cost? In keeping with Eden Spiritual Care's mission of making spiritual formation opportunities widely accessible, classes and other learning opportunities are funded entirely by generous donor contributions! The technology required for each learning opportunity, plus a small stipend for the facilitator, is fully funded by previous participants and other donors. After you've participated, please consider Sharing the Light by donating whatever amount you can for a future opportunity for others! And if you're unable to donate anything, please sign up anyway; we're delighted to have you!
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Book Group Components
Who this is for
This book group is open to anyone ages 18 and up!
Book Group Requirements
Questions? Comments?
- Week-by-week reading guide
- Weekly online discussion forum with questions from the facilitator (process through writing and chat with other book group participants as much as you'd like to)
- Two live discussions via Zoom (6:30-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, 5/15 & Wednesday, 6/5)
Who this is for
This book group is open to anyone ages 18 and up!
- People of any gender
- People of any educational background
- People who have identified as Christ followers since their childhood, or have only recently begun identifying as Christ followers, or who have never or no longer identify as Christ followers but who are curious to learn more about the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity
Book Group Requirements
- Access to a web device with a camera and microphone for video conferencing.
- Ability to read, write, and speak in English.
- Access to the book. (Check your local library or purchase a copy from your favorite bookseller.)
- An open mind and willingness to interact with curiosity about new ideas and respect for people whose opinions and experiences might be different from your own.
Questions? Comments?
About the Instructor
Sierra Neiman Westbrook, M.Div.
Founding Director of Eden Spiritual Care & Certified Spiritual Director
Sierra spent seven years working in the Christian publishing field before beginning eight years of teaching at George Fox University (writing, theology, and spiritual formation) and Portland Seminary (spiritual formation). A graduate of Portland Seminary, Sierra holds a Master of Divinity degree and a certificate in Spiritual Formation & Discipleship. She is also certified through Portland Seminary as a spiritual director. Sierra brings to her work a curiosity about how theology of lament, narrative pastoral care, and explorations of one's God image can enrich a person’s relationship with God. She also enjoys hiking, watching ballet performances, baking, writing, drinking lots of tea, and spending lots of time with her husband, Justin, and their young son.
Sierra Neiman Westbrook, M.Div.
Founding Director of Eden Spiritual Care & Certified Spiritual Director
Sierra spent seven years working in the Christian publishing field before beginning eight years of teaching at George Fox University (writing, theology, and spiritual formation) and Portland Seminary (spiritual formation). A graduate of Portland Seminary, Sierra holds a Master of Divinity degree and a certificate in Spiritual Formation & Discipleship. She is also certified through Portland Seminary as a spiritual director. Sierra brings to her work a curiosity about how theology of lament, narrative pastoral care, and explorations of one's God image can enrich a person’s relationship with God. She also enjoys hiking, watching ballet performances, baking, writing, drinking lots of tea, and spending lots of time with her husband, Justin, and their young son.
