Ep 98: The Critical Journey w/ Dr. Jim Reiter

What is The Critical Journey, and why does it matter for deep discipleship? In Episode 98, Brian talks with Dr. Jim Reiter about The Critical Journey, the well-known spiritual formation framework developed by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich. The book describes six stages in the life of faith, including awakening to God, learning the faith, productive service, the inward journey, the outward journey, and the life of love. Brian and Jim explore why many churches are well equipped for the first three stages of faith but often struggle to guide people through Stages 4, 5, and 6. Those later stages tend to involve the Wall, doubt, disillusionment, deconstruction, deeper self-awareness, and a more personal encounter with God. They are often messy, slow, and difficult to manage inside church systems built around programs, sermons, volunteers, and institutional growth.

BY Brian Fisher

June 18, 2024

the critical journey

SHARE THIS PODCAST

Search

Ut dapibus massa eu libero molestie, eu vulputate risus dapibus. Phasellus dictum mi quis laoreet bibendum. Nunc sit amet venenatis massa. Nullam vel urna magna. Nulla porttitor lorem vel tristique commodo. Sed malesuada sagittis luctus. Praesent faucibus nulla vel turpis cursus blandit. Donec vitae lectus vel ex volutpat aliquam.

Recent Podcasts
Group 195 (1)
Kingdom of God
Soil and Roots
Ep 98: The Critical Journey w/ Dr. Jim Reiter
Loading
/

The Critical Journey

Dr. Jim Reiter joins Brian to discuss The Critical Journey, a book we’ve discussed a few times on the podcast.

It posits six phases in our walk toward becoming more like Jesus, though modern Christianity focuses almost exclusively on the first three. Our lack of education on and guidance through Stages 4, 5, and 6 is one of the key drivers of The Great Omission – the condition we are all here to explore and help overcome.

Jim and Brian explore the ups and downs of the modern church, our deep desire for connection and spiritual formation, and the impact of The Great Omission on our souls and communities.

Jim spent many years in pastoral ministry and Christian leadership before he and his wife launched an effort to help people wade into the deep end of spiritual formation on a more personal, individual level. He is a keen cultural observer, critical thinker, and wonderful communicator.

Continue the Journey

Season Summary Page

Related article

ICON
Is God Partial?

Is God Partial? Spiritual First Class and the Love of God | Ep 146

What if you believe God loves everyone equally, but somewhere deep in your heart, you’re not so sure? In Episode 146, Brian explores the hidden idea that God is partial—that some people receive greater affection, access, or favor because they are more successful, useful, disciplined, or spiritually mature. We’ll examine how this idea surfaces through performance, suffering, comparison, spiritual celebrity, and our relationships with others—and how deep discipleship invites us to experience God’s love as a gift rather than something we earn.

Read more