ICS Book Discussion: The Familiar Stranger
Thursday, October 22, 2026 6:30 PM-Saturday, August 1, 2026 8:00 PM
Online
Who is the Holy Spirit—and what might it mean to experience His presence more fully in our everyday lives?
In The Familiar Stranger: (Re)introducing the Holy Spirit to Those in Search of an Experiential Spirituality, pastor and author Tyler Staton reintroduces us to the often-overlooked and misunderstood Person of the Trinity. Drawing from Scripture, Christian tradition and ancient spiritual practices, Staton traces the work of the Holy Spirit throughout the biblical story and invites us to move beyond merely knowing about the Spirit toward a vibrant, personal relationship with Him.
Join Institute for Christian Spirituality spiritual director and staff member Jodi Thomas for a thoughtful and engaging ICS book discussion as we explore how the Holy Spirit guides, empowers, transforms and draws us into deeper communion with God. Through reading and conversation, participants will gain a richer Biblical understanding of the Spirit, examine misconceptions that may limit their experience of God and discover practical ways to become more attentive and responsive to the Spirit’s presence. Whatever your church background, this book offers an accessible and compelling invitation to a faith that is more intimate, discerning and fully alive.
Cost: $20, offered via Zoom.
Lipscomb faculty and staff, as well as Cultivate Collective spiritual directors, can email ics [at] lipscomb.edu for a $10 discount.
About the Facilitator:
Jodi Thomas is a certified spiritual director and supervisor. She received her B.S. in education from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in spiritual formation and direction from Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia. Jodi has served with ICS since 2024 and loves all things spiritual formation and spiritual direction. She loves to study and teach the Bible, read, hike, play with her dogs and spend time with her husband of 28 years, JT. She and her husband have one adult son and reside in Mt. Juliiet.