In many faith spaces, it can feel like there’s an unspoken template for what a “good” spiritual life looks like. Maybe it’s long, quiet devotions. Maybe it’s expressive singing in worship. Maybe it’s disciplined Bible study. And when your natural rhythms don’t match, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing something, or worse… something’s wrong with you. But we’re not meant to be spiritual copies of one another.
“Scripture and the history of Christian tradition reveal a remarkable diversity of personal devotional styles.”
– Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways
There are many ways people naturally connect with God, and discovering yours might change everything. It’s been helpful for me to explore what author Gary Thomas calls, the 9 Sacred Pathways (or ways to connect with God). Your spirituality and faith aren’t one-size-fits-all (though many churches would have you feel that way on a Sunday morning).
Take some time to read over the 9 Spiritual Personalities* below and pick 2-3 that you connect with. They evolve/grow over time, like marriages.
Then, keep exploring! Seek out the habits and practices that are conducive to our spiritual personalities (deepen rather than dampen).
Naturalist
A Naturalist feels closest to God in the out-of-doors, in the midst of creation. Whether it’s the mountains, forest, or ocean, being in nature awakens this person to God’s presence and beauty. Examples are Saint Francis and the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who wrote, “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees, takes off his shoes the rest sit around and pluck blackberries.”
Traditionalist
A Traditionalist loves God through the historic dimensions of the faith like rituals, symbols, and liturgy. This person would probably enjoy praying the Psalms, following fixed-hour prayer, and celebrating all the seasons of the Christian calendar. One contemporary example is the Episcopalian writer Phyllis Tickle, who compiled the Divine Hours prayer books.
Contemplative
A Contemplative seeks God through quieter disciplines such as solitude, meditation, and journaling. A biblical example of this is Mary of Bethany, who sat in adoration at Jesus’ feet and was commended by Jesus for doing so. This person can relate to the 16th century monk, Saint John of the Cross, who said, “Silence is God’s first language.”
Visionary
A Visionary loves God by dreaming a great dream and setting out to accomplish it. This person feels God’s presence and delight as he uses his gifts for the kingdom. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, is an example, as is William Carey, the missionary pioneer to India. He once said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”
Socialite
A Socialite connects with God best around other people, journeying with and confiding in them. For this person, community plays a vital role in experiencing God’s presence, and she is inspired by the example of the early church in Acts 2 sharing life with one another. Those with this personality type often gravitate toward more intimate settings for living out the faith such as small groups, close-knit friendships, and mentoring relationships.
Intellectual
An Intellectual loves God through using his mind to think deeply about God and matters of theology. For this person, “faith” is something to be understood as much as experienced. One example is C. S. Lewis, who said his heart came alive whenever he was working through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in his teeth and a pencil in his hand.
Caregiver
A Caregiver loves God by being compassionate and loving others even if it means significant sacrifice. This person believes she is serving Christ when she serves those who are in need, and she finds the act to be energizing rather than draining. Perhaps the supreme example of this is Mother Teresa who founded the Missionaries of Charity.
Worshiper
A Worshiper experiences God through joyful celebration and music. This person wants to linger in the awe, beauty, and splendor of God, and loves to express adoration for him through songs or art. The hymn writer Charles Wesley is an example, as are the modern songwriter Rich Mullins and visual artist Makoto Fujimura.
Activist
An Activist is at war with injustice and loves God by fighting it. This person is compelled by a vision of the world where God’s Kingdom is fully present, and feels he must stand up for the marginalized and confront those who oppress others. A few examples are William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King Jr., and Shane Claiborne.
Links:
- Take an Assessment: Online or Printable
- Study Guide with practices & reflection questions for each style.
* These 9 descriptions were adapted from Gary Thomas’ “Sacred Pathways” by my professor Dr. Keas Keasler, Friends University.