Oboedire (pronounced “oboe-deer-ay”) is the social media ministry of Dr. Steve Harper. It began in 2010 as this blog, and has since grown to include other features.
Rooted in the discipline of spiritual formation, Oboedire’s aim is to inspire attentiveness that leads to action. This is what the word “obedience” means, from which Oboedire is derived. Obedience is spiritual life that links contemplation and action.
Jesus described the contemplation/action link this way, “Happy are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice” ( Luke 11:28). Obedience is listening with the intention to enact what we hear. Oboedire seeks to foster attentive spirituality that is responsive to revelation.
While rooted in the Christian tradition, Oboedire appreciates and connects with insights from all the world religions. Oboedire is for anyone who desires to live more fully as a human being made in the image of God.
In 2023, the mainstay series is “At the Gate,” an occasional blog series explores a variety spiritual formation themes. Steve writes from the vantage point of an elder.
In addition to the blog, Oboedire offers three additional resources.
First, a periodic “Engage Group” experience combines common reading with live Zoom meetings. From February through April, we are reading Walter Brueggemann’s, ‘Journey to the Common Good’ (Revised edition), with Zoom meetings on the final Friday of each month, Noon to 1:00 p.m. (ET).
Second, the “Heart Sounds” podcast on Spotify. The series features short-episode explorations (10 minutes on average) of the spiritual life.
And third, reading lists to assist you in your faith development. On the Oboedire home page you will find icons pertaining to
“Formation Resources”
“LGBTQ+ Resources”
“Christian Nationalism”….and
“The New UMC.”
Oboedire blog series have been used by small groups. The “Conversations” icon on the home page is a guide for doing this, and the “Major Series” icon will direct you to posts that are especially suited for group use
Finally, on the home page sidebar, you can see Steve’s books. You’ll also find the “Sign Me Up” box to subscribe to Oboedire, so that future posts come to your emailbox automatically. It’s free, as is everything offered by Oboedire.
Thank you for connecting with Oboedire. Pray for this ministry and consider being part of the Oboedire family. And if you know of others who would be interested in Oboedire, please let them know about it. Oboedire grows solely by word of mouth.
Oboedire 