Hello, I’m Joel Bidderman, and I am a pastor and Spiritual Director, as well as a musician and a creative. Simply On Mission (SOM) is my space where I develop resources for contemplation, cultivating an inner life with God, creativity in our approach to rethinking our expressions of worship and discipleship, and living lives of justice and mercy.

CONTEMPLATION

con·tem·pla·tive
/kənˈtemplədiv/

noun
a person whose life is devoted primarily to prayer, especially in a monastery or convent.

con·tem·pla·tive
/kənˈtemplədiv/

noun
a person whose life is devoted primarily to prayer

The contemplative tradition of the Christian faith has impacted and transformed my life (and it still does). I believe that a life that has a foundation in prayer, is a life that is empowered by the Spirit, and can make us more like Jesus. I believe all of us are invited to cultivate lives devoted primarily to prayer – not through withdrawing from the world, but rather by cultivating practices in our lives to live out lives of prayer wherever we go.

Creativity

Simply On Mission is a space for developing practical ways to shift some of our cultural thinking that has drifted from the heart of the way of Jesus. I’m changing and growing, and am passionate about worshipers and congregations changing and growing in their passion and expression of being more like Jesus. I believe the invitation that we have in the midst of this is to be creative as we innovate and do this.

Compassion

I believe that when our lives really coming under lordship and allegiance to Jesus, and are devoted to the place of intimacy with Him, we begin to manifest the mercy, compassion, and justice of God as we step out.

A Francis-ish Way

A Francis-ish Way

Something that often arises in the themes and discussions of following Jesus is how my philosophy of ministry and worldview is largely Franciscan influenced. You can learn more about how this shapes the ways that I minister and serve.