The Practice Church Podcast
The Practice is a community that gathers for worship, prayer, teaching, and communion. The Scripture, prayers, and songs of our opening liturgy help us to set aside all that distracts us from the Lord’s loving presence. We slow down to learn and engage the spiritual practices that help us to walk with Jesus. Every gathering, we center around the communion table to meet with Christ in a tangible way. Through all of this, we are seeking to create a sacred space, both in our gatherings and in our everyday lives, so we can be formed by Jesus to be like Jesus for the sake of the world.
info_outline
Easter Sunday: The Deeper Story
04/21/2025
Easter Sunday: The Deeper Story
On Easter Sunday, we gathered to celebrate the risen Christ and consider how the garden of resurrection is the central scene in the story of creation. We examined the stories that shape us, the stories from our culture and the stories of our lives, and we considered how the resurrection is an invitation to be shaped by a deeper story, one that draws us into new life. If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/36242740
info_outline
Jesus-Shaped Life: Prayer
04/06/2025
Jesus-Shaped Life: Prayer
As we walk through the season of Lent, we will craft and practice experiments in living a Jesus-shaped life. We live in the influence of a world teaching us to put ourselves first and seek our own safety, comfort, wealth above all else, but the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2 teaches the way of Jesus is one of self-emptying, self-giving love. How can we engage the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a way of opening ourselves to be formed by Jesus to be like Jesus for the sake of the world? This week, we considered the practice of prayer. Rebecca invited us to consider the space from which we pray. How can we pray from a secure place of belonging, a place of resting in God's love and delight in us? And how might this prayer free us to put others first and follow the way of Jesus in self-emptying, self-giving love? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/36028650
info_outline
Jesus-Shaped Life: Almsgiving
03/24/2025
Jesus-Shaped Life: Almsgiving
As we walk through the season of Lent, we will craft and practice experiments in living a Jesus-shaped life. We live in the influence of a world teaching us to put ourselves first and seek our own safety, comfort, wealth above all else, but the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2 teaches the way of Jesus is one of self-emptying, self-giving love. How can we engage the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a way of opening ourselves to be formed by Jesus to be like Jesus for the sake of the world? This week, we considered the practice of almsgiving. The way of Jesus draws us into a life of practical, embodied love that doesn't focus on our own gain but the good of those on the margins. If you have not yet crafted an experiment. It is not too late. You can find the handout . We also want to experiment together in community. You can form your own group for this experiment, or we would be happy to help you get connected. Whether you form a group or would like help, will you let us know ? This will allow us to send some reminders and help support you along the way. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35837300
info_outline
Jesus-Shaped Life: Fasting
03/16/2025
Jesus-Shaped Life: Fasting
As we walk through the season of Lent, we will craft and practice experiments in living a Jesus-shaped life. We live in the influence of a world teaching us to put ourselves first and seek our own safety, comfort, wealth above all else, but the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2 teaches the way of Jesus is one of self-emptying, self-giving love. How can we engage the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a way of opening ourselves to be formed by Jesus to be like Jesus for the sake of the world? This week, we considered the practice of fasting and how it softens our hearts to experience the hidden hunger and thirst for God in our lives. If you have not yet crafted an experiment. It is not too late. You can find the handout . We also want to experiment together in community. You can form your own group for this experiment, or we would be happy to help you get connected. Whether you form a group or would like help, will you let us know ? This will allow us to send some reminders and help support you along the way. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35716040
info_outline
Jesus-Shaped Life: An Experiment
03/10/2025
Jesus-Shaped Life: An Experiment
As we walk through the season of Lent, we will craft and practice experiments in living a Jesus-shaped life. We live in the influence of a world teaching us to put ourselves first and seek our own safety, comfort, wealth above all else, but the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2 teaches the way of Jesus is one of self-emptying, self-giving love. How can we engage the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a way of opening ourselves to be formed by Jesus to be like Jesus for the sake of the world? This week, we explored Philippians 2:1-11 and Paul’s instruction to have the same mind as Jesus, living a life of self-emptying, self-giving love. Then, we crafted experiments to practice this Lenten season. This week, let’s begin practicing our experiments. If you couldn’t be with us, we would encourage you to watch or listen to our time and craft an experiment. You can find the handout . We also want to experiment together in community. You can form your own group for this experiment, or we would be happy to help you get connected. Whether you form a group or would like help, will you let us know ? This will allow us to send some reminders and help support you along the way. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35606865
info_outline
Encountering the Messiah: The Transfiguration
03/03/2025
Encountering the Messiah: The Transfiguration
The majority of our journey in 2025 will be oriented toward the presence and work of Jesus that we see in the Gospels. We begin this journey with the help of the church calendar, celebrating and reflecting on some key moments in Christ’s story. This week, Dr. Gary Burge guided our reflection on the Transfiguration of Christ. In this Gospel moment, the veil between heaven and earth grows exceptionally thin, and the Biblical story from the exodus to the resurrection is tied together. This kind of encounter with Jesus can carry us through the often troubling times in which we live. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35512495
info_outline
Order of Faith: The Holy Spirit
02/17/2025
Order of Faith: The Holy Spirit
In this series, we will be sharing why we are leaning on the Apostles’ Creed as the Order of Faith (commonly known as a Statement of Faith) for our church community. What does the creed say? What does it mean? And how does it influence what we do as a church community? This is going to be an important series for our community. This week, we considered the third movement of the creed. Jason invited us to reflect on the work of the Holy Spirit. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35312935
info_outline
Order of Faith: Jesus Christ, our Lord
02/10/2025
Order of Faith: Jesus Christ, our Lord
In this series, we will be sharing why we are leaning on the Apostles’ Creed as the Order of Faith (commonly known as a Statement of Faith) for our church community. What does the creed say? What does it mean? And how does it influence what we do as a church community? This is going to be an important series for our community. This week, we considered the second movement of the creed. Bill invited us to consider the person of Jesus, his divinity and his humanity. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35221890
info_outline
Order of Faith: God the Father
02/02/2025
Order of Faith: God the Father
In this series, we will be sharing why we are leaning on the Apostles’ Creed as the Order of Faith (commonly known as a Statement of Faith) for our church community. What does the creed say? What does it mean? And how does it influence what we do as a church community? This is going to be an important series for our community. This week, we considered the first movement of the creed. We recognize that belief is more than intellectual agreement, but involves trust and a “readiness to act as if what we believe is true.” (Dallas Willard) God, the Father almighty is a personal, relational God, who invites us to live in relationship and find the life of love, joy, and peace that we desire in our Creator. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/35118945
info_outline
Encountering the Messiah: The Temptation of Jesus
01/20/2025
Encountering the Messiah: The Temptation of Jesus
The majority of our journey in 2025 will be oriented toward the presence and work of Jesus that we see in the Gospels. We begin this journey with the help of the church calendar, celebrating and reflecting on some key moments in Christ’s story. This week, Mimi Dixon invited us to consider the temptation of Jesus. What were the temptations that he faced, how do we face those same temptations, and how can we turn our attention to find rest and freedom from the depth of God's love and goodness? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34923380
info_outline
Encountering the Messiah: Baptism of Christ
01/12/2025
Encountering the Messiah: Baptism of Christ
The majority of our journey in 2025 will be oriented toward the presence and work of Jesus that we see in the Gospels. We begin this journey with the help of the church calendar, celebrating and reflecting on some key moments in Christ’s story. This week, Kirsten invited us to consider the question, "Who are you?" As we celebrated the baptism of Christ, we explored how this moment answered the question about Jesus, and what we too can learn from his baptism. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34827055
info_outline
Encountering the Messiah: Epiphany
01/06/2025
Encountering the Messiah: Epiphany
The majority of our journey in 2025 will be oriented toward the presence and work of Jesus that we see in the Gospels. We begin this journey with the help of the church calendar, celebrating and reflecting on some key moments in Christ’s story. This week (Epiphany Sunday), we considered the story of Epiphany. What do we to see in the visit of the Magi and Herod's terrible respond to the birth of Christ? How do we see our own stories reflected in Epiphany, and how are we being invited to encounter Jesus more deeply in it? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34738925
info_outline
Walking With the Prophets: New Creation (Isaiah 35)
12/22/2024
Walking With the Prophets: New Creation (Isaiah 35)
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, We consider God's promise of new creation For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34572605
info_outline
Walking with the Prophets: Needs, Desires, and Joy (Isaiah 55:1-3)
12/16/2024
Walking with the Prophets: Needs, Desires, and Joy (Isaiah 55:1-3)
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, Kellye (Fabian) Story invited us to consider the words of God through the prophet Isaiah (55:1-3). How are we being invited through the prophet to come to God, the One who satisfies our needs, our desires, and brings us joy? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34467305
info_outline
Walking With the Prophets: Hearts of Flesh (Ezekiel 36 & 37)
12/08/2024
Walking With the Prophets: Hearts of Flesh (Ezekiel 36 & 37)
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, Rebecca invited us to consider the Israelites and how they can possibly move forward when their patterns of brokenness go all the way back to the Garden of Eden. It turns out, sin has always been a heart issue, and God's solution is to give humanity new hearts. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34335965
info_outline
Walking With the Prophets: Not By Strength (Ezra/Nehemiah)
12/01/2024
Walking With the Prophets: Not By Strength (Ezra/Nehemiah)
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, we considered the Israelite's messy return from exile. They are back in Jerusalem, but the prophetic expectations are not fully met. How do we see ourselves in this story of partially met expectations? How does it show our need for God's Spirit to move, and how does this reveal our longing in the season of Advent? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/34220685
info_outline
Walking With the Prophets: Idolatry (Hosea)
11/18/2024
Walking With the Prophets: Idolatry (Hosea)
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, we leaned into the message God delivered to Israel through the prophet Hosea addressing their idolatry. We considered how fear is tied to idolatry and how intimacy with God chases away fear. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33965317
info_outline
Walking With the Prophets: Injustice (Amos)
11/11/2024
Walking With the Prophets: Injustice (Amos)
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, we leaned into the message God delivered to Israel through the prophet Amos. Injustice is one of the consistent indictments of Israel and Judah in the prophets. The message of Amos shows us that faithful worship cannot be separated from justice. For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33878382
info_outline
Walking With the Prophets
11/04/2024
Walking With the Prophets
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. In the last two years, we have walked in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , the , and . Now we will continue walking in this era of the kings of Israel and Judah, but we will do so from the perspective of the prophets. We will consider the indictments, judgments, and instruction delivered through the prophets. What do we learn about God and how should we hear these accusations and calls for repentance? We’ll pause with them in the messy middle, and then we will consider the messages of hope. How can we understand God in these messages and lean more deeply into the One who offers us a new heart? This week, Dr. John Walton gives us helpful guidance about how we shoudl read, understand, and respond to the prophets. For additional resources, please visit our . If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33773887
info_outline
A Prayer Before Voting
10/22/2024
A Prayer Before Voting
This fall, we have been offering practices for a kingdom-centered politics. In this short practice, we offer a prayer in preparation of voting. We would encourage you to pray this prayer before you vote, whether in the parking lot of your polling place or while you wait in line. As we hold various groups of people in the light of God's loving presence, we respond together, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done.
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33573467
info_outline
Walking with the Kings
10/21/2024
Walking with the Kings
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. Last year we began our journey walking in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , and the . If you missed the previous series, you can check out the links above. In this series, we will explore the period of the kings from Saul through the fall of the Northern Kingdom and Judah. We will notice how the stories of these kings echo all the way back to the garden. How do the Israelites and their kings respond to that choice to submit to the reign and rule of Yahweh or choose what is right in their own eyes? And how might we see our own stories reflected in the story of scripture? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33547042
info_outline
Walking with the Kings: David
10/14/2024
Walking with the Kings: David
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. Last year we began our journey walking in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , and the . If you missed the previous series, you can check out the links above. In this series, we will explore the period of the kings from Saul through the fall of the Northern Kingdom and Judah. We will notice how the stories of these kings echo all the way back to the garden. How do the Israelites and their kings respond to that choice to submit to the reign and rule of Yahweh or choose what is right in their own eyes? And how might we see our own stories reflected in the story of scripture? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33448827
info_outline
Walking with the Kings: Saul
10/06/2024
Walking with the Kings: Saul
In this recurring series, we are walking in the story of scripture, noticing the intricate way God’s story is woven together and shines a light on our own stories. Last year we began our journey walking in (Genesis 1-11), (Genesis 12-50), , , and the . If you missed the previous series, you can check out the links above. In this series, we will explore the period of the kings from Saul through the fall of the Northern Kingdom and Judah. We will notice how the stories of these kings echo all the way back to the garden. How do the Israelites and their kings respond to that choice to submit to the reign and rule of Yahweh or choose what is right in their own eyes? And how might we see our own stories reflected in the story of scripture? For additional resources, please visit our If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33349852
info_outline
A Counter-Formational Political Practice: The Examen
10/04/2024
A Counter-Formational Political Practice: The Examen
This guided practice is a part of our series . As we seek to untangle ourselves from the partisan liturgies of our culture, we are engaging counter-formational practices. In this practice of the Examen, we consider our political activity (the media we consume and our response, our conversations, the ways we serve our communities, and voting) and ask when our activity was centered on the partisan liturgies of our culture and when they were centered on the radical alternative of God's kingdom.
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33333637
info_outline
The Liturgy of Politics: The Partisan Liturgy of Tribalism
09/22/2024
The Liturgy of Politics: The Partisan Liturgy of Tribalism
Aristotle said the purpose of politics is to create a people who are better than they would be without it. Politics has a way of shaping how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we should live in the world. Have you noticed how this is parallel to the task of the gospel? This journey of faith creates us to be someone better than we would be without Jesus. Jesus shapes how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we should live in the world. Is it any wonder our political activity has gotten so bound up in our understanding of the gospel? In fact, our partisanship and faith have become so wrapped up together, that it is like one big ball of tangled string. They influence one another in various ways (some helpful and some not), and often times it is hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. This month, we will be crafting experiments together. These experiments will center on how we engage politics and how we are being formed by politics. Together we will notice what strings in this tangled mess the Holy Spirit is drawing to our attention, and we will intentionally practice ways of untangling that thread. How can we seek to be formed in the way of God's kingdom and bring that to bear on politics rather than allowing politics to shape how we view the kingdom? We continued our experiments this week exposing the partisan liturgy of tribalism, reflecting on the ways we are tempted to find our identity in a political party or position. Then, we considered the counter-formational liturgy of humble service. What if our political activity followed the way of Jesus and humble service? You can find the handout for crafting an experiments . For additional resources, please visit our . If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33160952
info_outline
A Counter-Formational Political Practice: Breath Prayer
09/16/2024
A Counter-Formational Political Practice: Breath Prayer
This guided practice is a part of our series . As we seek to untangle ourselves from the partisan liturgies of our culture, we are engaging counter-formational practices. In this practice, we respond to the partisan liturgy of fear with the practice of breath prayer. With Jesus, we pray the words, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done.” This prayer reminds us, in the words of Pastor Mike Lueken, even if the worst we can imagine happens in this election season, “Jesus is still king. The kingdom is still real, and all shall be well.” And it reminds us that we are invited to join the Holy Spirit in its redemptive kingdom work.
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33072712
info_outline
A Counter-Formational Political Practice: Welcoming Prayer
09/16/2024
A Counter-Formational Political Practice: Welcoming Prayer
This guided practice is a part of our series . As we seek to untangle ourselves from the partisan liturgies of our culture, we are engaging counter-formational practices. In response to our partisan culture which uses fear as a political tool, we offer a practice that can help us welcome the love and presence of Jesus into our fear so that we might be the kind of people whose political activity is marked by love.
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33072692
info_outline
The Liturgy of Politics: The Partisan Liturgy of Fear
09/15/2024
The Liturgy of Politics: The Partisan Liturgy of Fear
Aristotle said the purpose of politics is to create a people who are better than they would be without it. Politics has a way of shaping how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we should live in the world. Have you noticed how this is parallel to the task of the gospel? This journey of faith creates us to be someone better than we would be without Jesus. Jesus shapes how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we should live in the world. Is it any wonder our political activity has gotten so bound up in our understanding of the gospel? In fact, our partisanship and faith have become so wrapped up together, that it is like one big ball of tangled string. They influence one another in various ways (some helpful and some not), and often times it is hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. This month, we will be crafting experiments together. These experiments will center on how we engage politics and how we are being formed by politics. Together we will notice what strings in this tangled mess the Holy Spirit is drawing to our attention, and we will intentionally practice ways of untangling that thread. How can we seek to be formed in the way of God's kingdom and bring that to bear on politics rather than allowing politics to shape how we view the kingdom? We continued our experiments this week exposing the partisan liturgy of fear, reflecting on the use of fear as a tool and noticing how it forms us. Then, we considered the counter-formational liturgy of love. What if all our political activity was rooted in love rather than fear? You can find the handout for crafting an experiments . For additional resources, please visit our . If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/33072437
info_outline
The Liturgy of Politics: Crafting our experiments
09/08/2024
The Liturgy of Politics: Crafting our experiments
Aristotle said the purpose of politics is to create a people who are better than they would be without it. Politics has a way of shaping how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we should live in the world. Have you noticed how this is parallel to the task of the gospel? This journey of faith creates us to be someone better than we would be without Jesus. Jesus shapes how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we should live in the world. Is it any wonder our political activity has gotten so bound up in our understanding of the gospel? In fact, our partisanship and faith have become so wrapped up together, that it is like one big ball of tangled string. They influence one another in various ways (some helpful and some not), and often times it is hard to tell where one begins and the other ends. This month, we will be crafting experiments together. These experiments will center on how we engage politics and how we are being formed by politics. Together we will notice what strings in this tangled mess the Holy Spirit is drawing to our attention, and we will intentionally practice ways of untangling that thread. How can we seek to be formed in the way of God's kingdom and bring that to bear on politics rather than allowing politics to shape how we view the kingdom? We began this week with crafting our experiments. Setting the stage for the journey, we considered the formational nature of politics, and how this nature runs parallel to the gospel. Recognizing how easy this makes it for partisan politics to become entangled with the gospel, we set out to craft experiments that will help ground us in the kingdom of God and allow the Spirit to shape how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we believe we should live. You can find the handout for crafting an experiments . For additional resources, please visit our . If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/32963437
info_outline
The Communion of Saints: Thomas Kelly
08/18/2024
The Communion of Saints: Thomas Kelly
From the very beginning of The Practice, we have always appreciated the important lessons we can learn from various Christian traditions throughout the history of the Church. This summer, we will spend time learning about our sisters and brothers, some you may know and others you may not. We hope to not only learn about them, but also to listen to what they might have to teach us in this day and age. This week, Ted Harro invited us to listen to an imagined letter to our community from the Quaker mystic Thomas Kelly. For additional resources, please visit our . If The Practice Church is your home community, please join the . If The Practice Church has been meaningful to your journey, would you consider a tax-deductible gift? You can give at
/episode/index/show/thepractice/id/32629087