Resources by Marjory Bankson

The Call of the Soul: Six Stages of Spiritual Development

Understanding the concept of call is one way to reclaim the soul-centerdness which we long for but cannot seem to find in our culture today. There may be one main call at any given time, but God seems to have an unfolding purpose for each of us which does not end when a particular round has been completed. The process of apprehending call follows the same six-step pattern in each round of one’s life even though the focus and result will be different at each period of the spiral journey. 

The Bible is full of call stories! Throughout the Bible, God calls people to action -- to new roles and responsibilities on behalf of others. Each story of call begins with an internal dialogue, then there is a testing phase and finally, the subject is ready to take action even when that is opposed. The stories of Gideon and Esther will be used to explore the deeper structure of call. 

Braided Streams: Esther and a Woman's Way of Growing

Explore women's unique path of spiritual and emotional development. Adopting Esther's story as a model for our development and healing, Bankson calls us to integrate the streams of our lives that often get split during adolescence. 

In eleven chapters, each with journaling questions for individual reflection and/or discussion, Bankson probes the issues of internal and external messages we receive about being female, of control and choice, of power and community. 

Braided Streams has been valued and used across the country by church groups and women's retreats for more than twelve years and continues to grow in popularity every year. 

Seasons of Friendship: Naomi and Ruth as a Pattern

One of our most universal longings is to be understood. So we search for the perfect companion, the perfect friend. Yet friendships cycle like the seasons, Bankson poses, and in different seasons of our life, we need different levels of companionship.

Using the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi as a polarizing lens, Bankson focuses on the dynamics that nurture friendships. In eight chapters, the striking, tender loyalty of Ruth and Naomi is explored at ever deeper levels, re-discovering their relevance for our contemporary journey. Each chapter includes journaling questions and exercises for personal or group study.

This is My Body: Creativity, Clay, and Change

Using the process of sculpting clay into pottery, Bankson leads us through the pottery as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. At each stage, she draws from her experience as a professional potter, making the creative process come alive with her personal story. 

Each of the seven chapters also includes the stories of two biblical women, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, journal questions and group exercises.

*** Out of Print ***

With Tongues of Fire: Five Women From the Book of Acts

This video is an imaginative presentation of five biblical women. Each presentation is followed by questions which are designed to help viewers relate their personal stories to God's biblical story. Issues discussed include purpose or vision, the wise use of money, dealing with conflict & safety in decision-making, leadership, male/female partnerships in life & ministry.

The women are Mary, the mother of Jesus, Sapphira, Rhoda, Lydia & Priscilla. A leader's guide gives direction for each session for effective use of the video presentation and the group interaction.