Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Tracy Cotterell, DMin

Second Advisor

Michael Larson, DMin

Third Advisor

Ken Van Vliet, DMin

Abstract

Seasons of disorientation, disillusionment, and deconstruction are normal parts of the Christian spiritual life. This can be seen throughout church history and is even an integral theme of scripture. Yet many churches do not prepare Christians for this possibility, leaving many to struggle more than is necessary through the loneliness, doubt, and confusion of these seasons. This experience of being “unmoored” and alone was a key insight that emerged throughout my research. It is my belief that churches should equip and support members who find themselves in a wilderness season of their faith. To that end, the NPO that this project addresses is that Otter Creek Church (OCC) does not provide adequate soul care for those who are disoriented, disillusioned, or deconstructing, all normal stages of the Christian Spiritual Journey. OCC, a large church in the Nashville metro area where I serve as the Spiritual Formation Minister, has a number of members who would identify as disoriented, disillusioned, or deconstructing. While OCC is not hostile to those who are experiencing a wilderness season, neither are there many resources to offer hope, encouragement, or community. For this reason, I have developed the Wilderness Retreat and subsequent Wilderness Journey Group guides, specifically targeting the disoriented, disillusioned, and deconstructing. These programs are designed to provide community with other OCC members in a similar stage, introduce participants to new spiritual practices that connect them with God, and educate members on the stages of faith, including seasons of wilderness. Through these programs, it is my hope that OCC has increasing awareness that God is at work through seasons of disorientation, disillusionment, and deconstruction and that those who are experiencing these stages know that they do not have to navigate them alone.

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