By Josh Porter
Begin with prayer and conversation
Gather together as a Community in a comfortable setting. Have somebody lead a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time together. Spend a few minutes going around the room, catching up on life.
Read this overview
Church’s notoriously take the Summer off. During the Summer, commitment wanes, enthusiasm dips, and as a general rule, fewer people show up. Consequently, churches often suspend their rhythms and plans in a temporary stasis as they await the Fall.
A cavalcade of misunderstanding about the nature of self-care leads many to believe that when slowing down and clearing one’s calendar, church and spiritual discipline take a backseat to relaxing evenings in with TV and touch screens. While the teachings of Jesus absolutely compel us to slow the often frantic pace of our lives, seasons of rest and clarifying our rhythms and commitments should bring us closer to God by leading us to more spiritual discipline and a refined rule of life.
This week, we’re inviting you to engage the crazy story of how the church came to be and to ask yourself and the Holy Spirit for a fresh vision of your discipleship to Jesus, and your role in his church.
Do this practice together as a community
Go around the room having each person answer these simple questions:
- How would you describe your discipleship to Jesus right now?
- How would you like to grow and mature in this season of your life and stage of your apprenticeship?
(Remember to be gracious and kind with one another.)
After everyone has answered, spend some time praying for one another. Have each person pray for the person next to them so that every person is accounted for.
Discuss the coming week’s Practice
This week, read the book of Acts. Yeah, all of it. That’s twenty-eight chapters, four a day. Remember, how you spend your time is up to you. Set aside a few minutes for the next seven days to read the incredible (and often bonkers) origin story of the Jesus movement.
As you conclude each time of reading, spend a few minutes in listening prayer, asking God the following questions:
- What do you want to say about my life and discipleship right now?
- What are you asking me to do in this season of my life and stage of apprenticeship?
(Feel free to revisit our practices of Bible Study and Lectio Divina. As you read, check out these video overviews from our friends at The Bible Project.)