Be Love: "Everything we need is here."

Rev. Alison Longstaff Moore was raised in the conservative branch of Swedenborgianism and remained active in it until her mid forties when she resigned from that branch and joined the Swedenborgian Church of North America. Having felt the call to ministry when she was eight, Alison was now free to train as a minister. Alison now serves as pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Kitchener Ontario and sees her role as a spiritual consultant, teacher and guide on the spiritual journey, NOT as an authority teaching rules or judging those who “fall short”. Alison is also a writer and has just published her second novel, To Rule Britannia a sequel to her first novel, Heaven Sent. Keywords love, spirituality, community, vulnerability, personal growth, chronic illness, ministry, women in leadership, new church, self-discovery Summary In this engaging conversation, Rev. Sage Cole and Rev. Alison Moore explore the profound themes of love, spirituality, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges of navigating chronic illness, the importance of vulnerability in community, and the evolving role of women in ministry. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of shifting perspectives on God, embracing authenticity, and recognizing the abundance within spiritual communities. Alison shares her journey as an author, highlighting the creative process and the connection between storytelling and spirituality. Together, they reflect on the essence of love as a guiding force in their lives and the lives of others. Takeaways Love is the core of our being. Chronic illness can teach us about vulnerability. Shifting perspectives on God can lead to personal growth. Authenticity in ministry is essential for connection. Women in leadership roles bring unique insights to spirituality. Community support is vital for personal struggles. Recognizing abundance in community fosters growth. Personal stories can inspire and connect us. Creativity is a powerful expression of spirituality. Embracing our imperfections allows for deeper connections. Sound bites “It’s about my conscience.” “A living wisdom, a breathing faith.” “It’s not a race.” “Everything we need is here.” Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Love 03:01 Navigating Personal Struggles 06:03 Shifting Perspectives on God 08:36 The Journey of Self-Discovery 11:43 Embracing Vulnerability in Community 14:37 The Role of Women in Ministry 17:43 Finding Authenticity in Spiritual Leadership 20:43 The Dynamics of Power in Church 23:33 Creating an Inclusive Spiritual Community 26:30 The New Church and Spiritual Evolution 29:31 The Importance of Personal Stories 32:28 Lessons from Chronic Illness 35:32 Empowering Others in Community 38:35 Recognizing Abundance in Community 41:36 The Journey of Authorship 44:32 Celebrating Creativity and Connection Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit worshipislife.substack.com