The concepts of a “Kairos Moment” and “Kairos Circle” have become popular in certain Christian circles in recent years. But what do these terms actually mean, and are they rooted in Scripture?
Defining Kairos Moment and Kairos Circle
The word “kairos” comes from ancient Greek and means “opportune time” or “appointed time.” In a Christian context, a kairos moment refers to a spiritually significant moment when God’s purpose and presence converge in a meaningful way.
A kairos circle is a small group practice used by some Christians to try to create the right conditions for these divinely appointed moments to occur. The circle gathers with the intention of making space for the Spirit to move among them. There are various techniques used, such as lectio divina, silence, and reflective questioning, to try to allow God’s presence to emerge.
Kairos in the Bible
The New Testament was written in Greek, and the word kairos is used there in several places. Two prominent examples:
“But when the set time [kairos] had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law…” (Galatians 4:4)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity [kairos], because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
In these verses, kairos conveys a sense of God’s timing and purpose being worked out. The first refers to Jesus coming in history at just the right time, according to God’s plan. The second encourages wisdom in taking advantage of special opportune moments that present themselves to do good.
There are a handful of other New Testament uses of kairos along these lines (e.g. Romans 5:6, 1 Peter 1:11). The general sense is of spiritually strategic moments within God’s overall chronos (time/history).
Kairos in Church History
In early Greek-speaking Christianity, kairos was sometimes used in a technical theological sense to refer to the coming of Christ into the world as the decisive moment in history for salvation. Church fathers like Tertullian and Origen spoke of it this way.
Later on in church history, the desert monastics developed a related idea of a “kairos” as a moment of spiritual breakthrough or divine revelation that interrupts normal routines. Seeking these moments became part of mystical pursuit.
In 20th century theological discussion, Paul Tillich popularized the notion of a “kairos experience” as an encounter with the Holy that reconnects us with authentic existence. This existentialist approach diffused the term into wider Christian culture.
Assessment from a Biblical Perspective
Scripture does speak of God acting in history and in people’s lives at just the right time. The Bible also encourages making the most of special opportune moments for spiritual growth and service. In this sense, the concept of kairos moments has a biblical foundation.
However, the contemporary language of “kairos moments” and “kairos circles” represents a somewhat formulaic approach that is not directly found in the Bible. Nowhere do we find instructions for techniques to reliably generate or recognize kairos moments on demand.
While we should thoughtfully engage Scripture, cultivate spiritual practices, and seek God wholeheartedly, the timing and working of the Holy Spirit remains sovereign and mysterious. Moments of deep connection with God remain gifts of grace, not achievements of method.
There are also potential concerns with trying to manufacture spiritual moments or put God on our timetable. Our role is to patiently and obediently follow Christ each day, while learning to receive each moment as potentially “kairos” in its own way.
Examples of Biblical Figures Experiencing Kairos
Though the explicit language of “kairos” is not used, Scripture contains many narratives that could be described as divinely appointed moments. Some key examples:
Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-15)
While tending sheep, Moses encounters the startling sight of a bush burning but not consumed. From the bush, God calls him and reveals his plan to liberate Israel from slavery using Moses. This begins a life-changing process for Moses and the nation.
Isaiah’s Vision in the Temple (Isaiah 6:1-13)
The prophet Isaiah has a powerful vision of the glory of God on his throne surrounded by angels. Isaiah is convicted of his sin but also powerfully called to be God’s messenger. This prophetic calling dramatically shapes the rest of his ministry.
Saul’s Damascus Road Conversion (Acts 9:1-19)
On his way to persecute Christians, Saul has a life-altering encounter with the risen Christ that converts him into the apostle Paul. This total reversal of identity and purpose through direct revelation is perhaps the clearest biblical “kairos.”
Peter’s Rooftop Vision (Acts 10:9-23)
While praying, Peter has a visionary experience that leads to a breakthrough in accepting Gentile believers. Peter is guided into a surprising new understanding of God’s inclusive work, catalyzing a major new direction for the early Church.
These kinds of stories show God intervening at pivotal junctures to redirect his people individually and corporately. They align with the biblical theme of kairos moments.
Cautions Regarding “Kairos Moments”
While Scripture shows God working at decisive moments in people’s lives, there are cautions regarding the contemporary kairos moment language:
- We should avoid treating kairos moments as a technique or formula to generate spiritual experiences.
- Not every emotional or mystical moment is necessarily a divine kairos moment.
- A kairos moment focus could lead us to undervalue the importance of obedience in daily chronos time.
- God’s timing and purposes often remain mysterious to us (Isaiah 55:8-9).
- The full fruits of kairos moments may only be evident in hindsight.
In short, while we should thoughtfully engage practices seeking spiritual growth and revelation, the timing and working of God’s Spirit remains sovereign. Our posture should be patient, obedient waiting on God.
Conclusion
The language of “kairos moments” and “kairos circles” reflects an understanding of special spiritually pivotal moments that does have precedent in Scripture. However, the Bible does not contain precise instructions for generating kairos moments on demand.
As Christians, we are called to saturate our lives in Scripture, prayer, worship, service, and community. We should pursue intimacy with Christ daily, while also remaining open and obedient to God’s leading in each moment. In this spiritual posture, we may experience profound encounters with God’s presence and timing.
Yet we also recognize that the wind of the Spirit blows according to God’s wisdom, not our techniques. Every moment has potential significance because of Jesus, and we are called simply to walk faithfully with him through each one.