Faithful Innovation Begins with Faith: The Practicing the Way Course

"The course was helpful because Comer incorporates a variety of Christian traditions; all centered in the Way of Jesus. This variety helped me clarify my own understanding of my Rule of Life and the spiritual program of action that I live, one day at a time, and to tether it to practicing the way of Jesus. I enjoyed the quality of the videos, materials, and the approachable writing of the workbook, and can see it being helpful to teens and adults wishing to explore their faith. My favorite spiritual practice right now is to pray and meditate while in the sauna. Focusing on my breath and familiar prayers and words helps me find serenity and peace, instead of watching the sand fall through the timer!"

-Dan Miglets-Nelson, Minister for Children & Youth-

There is no faithful innovation without faith. Faith is the foundation upon which any Christian innovation takes place and its raison d’etre. Any innovation followers of Jesus participate in is, at its core, about learning how to share God’s transformative love, life and hope with others.

Over the last couple of months, the ECMN staff has gone through the eight session Practicing the Way course found at practicingtheway.org. It’s free, and hands down the best discipleship course available. It’s the best because it’s easy to use, inviting and thoughtful, and based in an action-reflection model. You’re not just thinking or talking about the Christian faith, you’re practicing it! John Mark Comer and his team introduce you to different spiritual practices, have you try them in ways that feel doable, and then invite you to reflect in community on what you experienced and learned: what was life- giving, what was challenging, and why?

I think I can say with some confidence that every staff member who engaged in the practices and group reflection grew spiritually. We also grew deeper in our relationships with each other to the point that we now have an ECMN staff spiritual accountability group!

The Practicing the Way course has an excellent Companion Guide (I recommend doing that) – or you can get all the materials in the Companion Guide for free online. Once you go through the course you have the option of a deeper dive into all the course practices. For example, the staff is now working through the excellent four-part class on “Sabbath,” using the Practicing the Way Sabbath Practice guide (again, I recommend purchasing The Sabbath Practice guide even though the materials are also free online).

Every ECMN congregation who has used this course has shared stories of increased spiritual vitality and engagement. Our faith communities’ core work is discipleship meaning helping people develop a relationship with Jesus and apprenticing them into his way of life. I strongly encourage you to check out this course if you haven’t already!

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at blair.p@episcopalmn.org. 

Blair Pogue, Canon for Innovation & Vitality