Institute of Christian Spirituality: Surprising Gifts: How Loving the Poor Connects Us with Jesus
Thursday, March 5, 2026 6:00 PM-Friday, March 6, 2026 8:00 AM
Providence Church, Mt. Juliet
The Institute of Christian Spirituality presents "Surprising Gifts: How Loving the Poor Connects Us with Jesus," an in-person, two-day course on March 5-6 at Providence Church in Mt. Juliet.
Some might view spiritual formation and care for the poor as unrelated and out of touch with each other. However, if we're being conformed to the image of Christ, then they are not! Surprising Gifts shows how befriending the poor can simultaneously deepen our love for Jesus, the church, and the community. This course draws on the relational poverty alleviation practices outlined in When Helping Hurts and offers perspectives and practical ideas for helping neighbors in need.
Join us for:
- A "Poverty Dinner" on Thursday evening: experience what it's like when resources are distributed unevenly
- Conversation on why people in poverty often feel unwelcome at churches and how we can become more hospitable and compassionate communities
- Practical guidance on how to serve neighbors in need in ways that honor dignity and avoid unintentionally causing harm
- Formation in recognizing our own spiritual poverty and our continual need for God's grace and healing presence
Instructor John Grant, D.Min., is the founder of Compassionate Hands, an interdenominational network of churches that offers winter shelter and year-round services to neighbors in need of housing in Wilson County. The 2025-26 season marks their 13th winter of service.
In 2025, John became a full-time spiritual director with Standing Stone Ministry, providing leadership coaching and confidential care for Christian leaders. Since 2017, he has trained spiritual directors with Lipscomb University's Institute for Christian Spirituality.
John earned degrees from Lipscomb University and Abilene Christian University, including a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Leadership. He served in congregational ministry for 30 years.
Cost: $60 per person for both sessions.
Lipscomb faculty and staff can email ics [at] lipscomb.edu for a $30 discount code.