Rev. Clark Echols continues to seek ways to support people in their spiritual growth in his retirement. He began his professional career ordained by the General Church of the New Jerusalem, and served as a pastor for 34 years for four Societies. After graduating from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH in 2010 with a Masters in Community Counseling, he became licensed as a mental health counselor, focusing on supporting men in their emotional growth to manage their anger, fear, grief and anxiety. In the last five years before retiring in 2024, he became trained in couples work, as the men regularly invited their partners into their sessions.
Beginning in 1990, Clark became experienced in facilitating small groups, mentored by Frank Rose and his Spiritual Growth Group model which promises spiritually transformative experiences. Clark continues to facilitate Choose Joy Now groups which use the same model. This now is Clark’s focus, and he continues to look for applications of the model in many areas, including grief work, meditation, relationships and organizational wellbeing. Clark looks forward to collaborating with the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative in creating a Be Love, Be Honest, Be Useful transformative small group experience.
Clark and his wife Margie Cranch were married for 34 years until her passing in 2008. They have eight children and 21 grandchildren. So Clark is dividing his time between Bryn Athyn, PA and Atlanta GA to be near them.
keywords love, ministry, healing, community, spiritual freedom, mindfulness, listening, Swedenborg, beholding, personal growth, inter-religious dialogue
summary In this conversation, Clark Echols shares his journey of love, healing, and ministry, emphasizing the importance of community, spiritual freedom, and the power of listening and beholding each other. He reflects on his personal experiences with suffering, the role of mindfulness, and the significance of being present in relationships. The discussion also touches on the challenges of inter-religious dialogue and the need for language that fosters understanding and connection among individuals.
takeaways
Clark's journey of love and ministry began later in life.
He emphasizes the importance of community in healing.
Mindfulness practices have helped him manage suffering.
Spiritual freedom allows for a deeper connection with others.
Listening and beholding are essential for meaningful relationships.
Inter-religious dialogue enriches personal experiences of suffering.
The importance of sharing wisdom in small groups.
Grace in conversations fosters deeper connections.
Personal growth often involves facing and processing suffering.
The role of a minister is to guide others in their healing journey.
titles
The Journey of Love and Healing
Finding Spiritual Freedom in Community
The Power of Listening and Beholding
Navigating Suffering and Growth
Sound Bites
"I love the opportunity to be engaged."
"I had a spiritual experience."
"I need to speak to myself."
"The work of cultivating a healthy garden."
"I have an increasing capacity to be present."
"We need language to talk about our shared reality."
"I want us to behold each other for a minute here."
"Let us blurt it out as best we can."
"It takes work to have grace with each other."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Love and Ministry
11:37 The Journey of Healing and Community
24:04 Spiritual Freedom and Presence
32:08 The Power of Listening and Beholding
44:10 Growth, Healing, and the Role of the Minister
Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com
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