What happens when a fired youth minister transforms his pain into a forty-year exploration of spiritual friendship? Norm Allen's remarkable journey reveals pathways to deeper connection with God and others that many evangelicals have missed.

After being unceremoniously dismissed in 1983, Allen faced a crucible moment—bitter, angry, and uncertain about his future. Rather than staying trapped in resentment (he eventually burned his journal of complaints), Allen discovered his unique gift for listening to leaders struggling with profound loneliness. This revelation launched Touchstone Ministries, where for four decades, he's cultivated spaces for spiritual friendship among businesspeople, ministry leaders, and seekers.

Allen's approach challenges conventional evangelical spirituality by mining two millennia of Christian tradition. "I'm basically a curious person, or you might call me a spiritual magpie," he explains. This curiosity led him to explore contemplative prayer through Ignatian spirituality, Celtic prayer rhythms, Franciscan meditation on the cross, and Benedictine hospitality. Rather than abandoning his evangelical roots, Allen integrated these ancient practices to enrich his Jesus-centered faith.

The heart of Allen's ministry centers on redefining friendship itself. Beyond mere friendliness, spiritual friendship involves intentionally creating space where Jesus becomes present in conversations. "We assume Jesus is present, but sometimes we need to sit together and say, 'Let's just sit in silence,'" Allen notes. This approach transforms relationships from networking or accountability into sacred encounters where mutual listening reveals God's voice.

For those feeling spiritually hungry or dissatisfied with surface-level faith experiences, Allen offers gentle wisdom: seek internal quietness amidst our noisy world, take responsibility for your spiritual journey rather than expecting church programs to fulfill every need, and test every practice by whether it helps you see Jesus more clearly.

You can learn more about Spiritual Friendship resources and retreats, and find Norm Allen's books at Touchstone.ca

And you can share this episode using hashtag #Evangelical360 and join the conversation online!

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