Spiritual vrs Religious?
You're a pastor?!
Yes. I have been a pastor for about two and a half decades. I am an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Church in America.
That means that my credentials are legitimate, not purchased online from a fly-by-night denomination or an internet "church." I have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a doctorate, extensive experience, and ongoing continuing education in my field. (Check out some of my credentials here.)
I firmly believe what I believe, seek to increasingly live out those beliefs in my day to day life as I strive toward wholeness and seek to be a person more gracious, loving, and committed to justice for all people.
I do not, however, expect the people I coach to hold similar beliefs. Coaching isn't like that (or at least, it shouldn't be)! I profoundly honor and value the religious and social beliefs of each individual I work with, as well as the harm and trauma that has often been the "bread and butter" of organized religion.
I live and coach from a positive, affirming perspective that focuses on helping you grow and develop on your own journey toward wholeness.
People often talk about being "spiritual" but not "religious" as if the former is purer and the latter problematic.
The distinction has a sincere positive intent - it is (rightly) aimed at valuing important matters of the spirit in a way that separates and protects from the innumerable harmful and destructive behaviors practiced by churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions over the centuries. The intent is beautiful.
However, I see it as an unhelpful distinction. "Spiritual" is an unfocused term referring to a part of who and what we are as humans. We are all spiritual. It is part of our humanity.
"Religion" is the way we tangibly engage the spiritual aspects of our existence - it may be as part of a larger religious community, within a specific belief system, or it may be private. Religion is the embodiment of our spirituality - it is the actions we do and commitments we make as we try to live out what we believe about ourselves, our relationships, the world, and the divine.
We are all spiritual beings, and in this sense, we are also all religious.