Practicing the Way
Jesus has given us the greatest invitation: “Come, Follow Me.” He doesn’t invite us to simply believe in Him, or trust Him, or read about Him— He invites us to follow Him.
Beginning in January, 2026, New Life Church will participate in a sermon series called Practicing the Way, inspired by the book by John Mark Comer. Throughout this series, we will learn what to means to apprentice under Jesus and be more like Him every day.
“Spiritual formation is not optional… We are being either transformed into the love and beauty of Jesus or malformed by the entropy of sin and death.”
-John Mark Comer
Throughout this series, we will examine spiritual rhythms, or practices, that we can incorporate into our lives to become transformed by Jesus. Each week you can find additional resources here and on our social media channels.
Life Groups will be going through the Practicing the Way course together. Not in a Life Group? Find an open group here and engage in Practicing the Way in community.
The Practices
A shared set of rhythms based on the life of Jesus.
Sabbath
The Sabbath is a 24-hour time period set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. It is the best day of the week. In our era of chronic exhaustion, emotional unhealth, and spiritual stagnation, few things are more necessary than the recovery of this ancient practice.
Prayer
Prayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God in order to become like him and partner with him in the world.
Fasting
Fasting is going without food for a set amount of time to awaken our body and soul to our deep hunger and need for God. It’s one of the most powerful — and neglected — of all of Jesus’ practices.
Solitude
Distraction is one of the greatest threats to spiritual health in the modern world. We all feel it — we’re bombarded by noise like never before. Jesus has an invitation for us: Step away from it all to be alone with him, for the sake of our souls and the sake of others.
Generosity
Are we really happier when we give generously? We’re made in the image of a happy, generous God. When we practice generosity, we live according to our design and tap into God’s joy.
Scripture
The library we call “the Bible” can connect us to God and change who we are, but distraction, hurry, and confusion can hinder our experience with these ancient texts. Rediscover how to engage Scripture as an apprentice to Jesus.
Community
Despite the unprecedented connectivity of the modern era, genuine community is vanishing. Isolation, transience, and superficiality can sabotage our formation into people of mature love. But through Jesus, we enter a new kind of family that offers intimacy, joy, healing, and commitment.
Service
Love is the hallmark of Jesus’ followers, but what does it look like? In the Way of Jesus, it means offering hidden acts of service to those right in front of us, allowing ourselves to be interrupted by unexpected needs, and overlapping our lives with those on the margins.
Witness
For many of us, the practice of witness feels deeply uncomfortable. But with the help of the Spirit, witnessing becomes less of a monologue and more of a dialogue — a chance to join God in the work of love he is already doing all around us.
Get the book
We highly encourage you to to read Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.
