which pathway(s) do you tend to follow?

I am currently reading John Ortberg's God Is Closer Than You Think. It is a great book so far and I highly recommend it to anyone whether you are a skeptic, a seeker or a long time follower. The last chapter I read touched on the seven different pathways that people generally follow to encounter God. He notes that many of us dip into each pathway at least a little but we have a few that we seem to cling to more often.

Intellectual pathway- If you follow this pathway then you love listening to the sermons at church and experience God most this way and through the study of scripture and the reading of other texts. You get closer to God as you learn more about Him.

Relational pathway- If you love people and are in constant relation then this is most likely the pathway that you follow. You encounter God as you meet and interact with people.

Serving pathway- Those who follow this pathway are closest to God while helping others. They base their activities in life on doing what they can to serve God's people and this is where they most often meet Him.

Worship pathway- Standing in church or riding in a car, no matter where they are, those who follow this pathway encounter God during worship. They enjoy the music and the rush it gives them and this draws them nearer to God.

Activist pathway- These folks are always on the run and constantly seeking God through coming up with actions to solve problems. If you follow this pathway you have a high amount of energy and most likely meet God when fighting for a cause.

Contemplative pathway- For the people who love to spend time alone in quiet with God, this is generally your most followed pathway. You may watch others in a crowded room and simply reflect rather than be a part of the chaos. You find God most easily when away from distractions of the world.

Creation pathway- If you follow this path, you love the outdoors and being able to connect to God through experiencing that which He has created. The singing birds, the whistling wind and rushing water is enough for you to see God and be in His presence.

Ortberg's book goes into more detail about each pathway (as these are only short summaries) and he also offers the pathways that each person may find a challenge following. Along with this, he warns people who identify largely with one pathway about things to watch out for so they don't become too dependent on only one.

This chapter has really opened up my eyes and reminded me that we were each created by God as unique, beautiful beings. I certainly do not need to encounter God exactly the same way as anyone else does and it is a blessing that we each follow different pathways. It is also a blessing that we are challenged and encouraged to try out other pathways to deepen our relationship with Him and begin to experience Him all around us. Because after all he is closer than we think.

Which pathways do you most closely identify with? Which do you think are a challenge for you to follow?