Practicing the Way
A series on the practices of Jesus
When someone wants to run a marathon but is out of shape, overweight, and asthmatic, they don’t begin by running 26.2 miles. Instead, they start small training step by step, building strength and endurance over time. In the same way, following Jesus isn’t about trying harder to be a better Christian, It’s about training in His way of life. Just as athletes build capacity through consistent practice, disciples of Jesus grow through rhythms that shape their hearts, minds, and habits over time.
 
These rhythms are what we often call the practices of Jesus or the spiritual disciplines. They are simple, repeatable activities like prayer, solitude, fasting, Scripture meditation, service, and Sabbath. They are not about earning God’s love, but about positioning ourselves to receive His transforming grace. This small group will explore how practicing the way of Jesus can gradually reshape our lives so that we don’t just try to follow Him, but are trained by His Spirit to live more like Him in our everyday relationships, work, and worship.

Week 1

Series Introduction

Week 2

Practice #1: Sabbath
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. What does the word rest mean to you: emotionally, spiritually, physically?
  2. What does an ideal Sabbath look like for you? What brings delight, worship, and restoration?
  3. What lies do we believe that keep us from stopping? (e.g., If I stop, I’ll fall behind)
  4. Exodus 20:8 - Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. How do we honor this verse in our lives?
  5. Why is Sabbath an important practice in the Bible
  6. What is the hard part for you to practice a sabbath?
  7. What are you willing to commit to have a better sabbath in your life?

Week 3

Practice #2: Solitude
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. What challenges do you face when trying to be still and practice solitude?
  2. Have you ever experienced peace or breakthrough through time alone with God? Share that experience.
  3. Which of the practical steps feels doable this week?

Week 4

Practice #3: Prayer
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. What does prayer currently look like in your life? Is it routine, spontaneous, structured, conversational?
  2. What do you find most challenging about prayer? (Silence? Focus? Believing God hears you?)
  3. Has God ever answered a prayer in a way that surprised you? What did you learn from that experience?
  4. Philippians 4:6 says "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  What do you think this verse means?
  5. How can the group pray for you this week?

 

Week 5

PRACTICE #4: FASTING
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. What is the hardest part of fasting for you: physical hunger, focus, patience, or something else?
  2. Have you ever fasted before? What did you learn from that experience?
  3. What do you hope God will reveal to you during this?

Week 6

PRACTICE #5: SCRIPTURE
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. How would you describe your current relationship with the Bible? (Is it consistent, occasional, rushed, joyful, or challenging?)
  2. What motivates you to read the Bible? What sometimes holds you back?
  3. Have you ever had a moment when a Bible verse spoke to you directly or changed your thinking? What happened?
  4. GROUP CHALLENGE: Read Revelation out loud

Week 7

PRACTICE #6: COMMUNITY
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. What comes to mind when you hear the word community?
  2. Who has been one of the most supportive people in your life, and why?
  3. Have you ever tried to go through something difficult alone? What was that like?
  4. What are some barriers that keep us from engaging in authentic community?
  5. GROUP CHALLENGE: What’s one step you can take this week to deepen your connection with someone in this small group?

Week 8

PRACTICE #7: GENEROSITY
Discussion Questions

Use these questions as a guide. There is no pressure to incorporate every question. The goal is for your group to have a great discussion!

  1. When you hear the word generosity, what comes to mind?
  2. Can you recall a time when someone was unexpectedly generous toward you? How did it impact you?
  3. Generosity goes beyond money. In what other areas can we be generous?
  4. GROUP CHALLENGE: How can you practice generosity intentionally this week?