Practicing the Way Companion Guide: An Overview
Practicing the Way’s eight-session course, detailed in its Companion Guide, introduces a modern approach to following Jesus, inspired by John Mark Comer’s teachings.
This guide, available in print or as a free PDF, facilitates deeper exploration through table groups and practical application to daily life.
It’s a resource for individuals and communities seeking spiritual growth, offering insights and prompts for reflection, alongside recommended reading like David Kim’s “Made to Belong.”
Practicing the Way is an eight-session journey designed to help individuals and communities intentionally follow Jesus in a contemporary context. This isn’t simply about believing the right things, but actively living a life shaped by the teachings and example of Christ. The course, rooted in ancient Christian practices, offers a pathway toward spiritual formation and a more profound relationship with God.
Central to the experience is the Companion Guide, a vital resource available both in print and as a downloadable PDF upon registration at practicingtheway.org. This guide isn’t merely a workbook; it’s a carefully curated collection of session outlines, reflection questions, and practical exercises intended to facilitate deeper engagement with the material. It’s designed to be used in conjunction with the course videos and, importantly, within the dynamic setting of table groups for richer discussion and mutual support.
The course aims to move beyond superficial faith and cultivate habits of being – habits that align with the “way” of Jesus, emphasizing both abstinence from harmful patterns and active engagement in loving service.
The Core Principles of “Practicing the Way”
At the heart of Practicing the Way lie several foundational principles. Firstly, the course emphasizes a shift from “doing” to “being” – moving beyond performance-based faith to a life rooted in God’s grace and presence. Secondly, repentance is presented not as a one-time event, but as an ongoing, daily practice of turning away from sin and toward God.
Confession and spiritual accountability are also central, encouraging vulnerability and honest connection with trusted individuals. The course highlights the importance of both the disciplines of abstinence – intentionally stepping away from harmful habits – and the disciplines of engagement – actively pursuing love and service towards others.
These principles, explored in detail within the Companion Guide, are designed to cultivate a holistic spirituality, integrating faith into every aspect of life. The PDF and print versions provide exercises to help internalize these core tenets.
Understanding the Companion Guide
The Practicing the Way Companion Guide is a vital resource, available in print and as a free PDF, designed to enhance the course experience.
It provides session outlines, discussion prompts, and practical exercises.
What is the Companion Guide and its Purpose?
The Practicing the Way Companion Guide serves as an essential companion to the eight-session course, offering a structured pathway for individuals and groups to delve deeper into the principles of following Jesus in contemporary life.
Inspired by John Mark Comer’s teachings, the Guide isn’t merely a workbook; it’s a carefully curated resource designed to facilitate transformation.
Its primary purpose is to provide a tangible framework for applying the course’s core concepts to everyday experiences, fostering spiritual disciplines and a more intentional faith journey.
The Companion Guide includes session overviews, thought-provoking discussion questions, and practical exercises, encouraging participants to move beyond intellectual understanding to genuine embodiment of the teachings.
Available both in print and as a downloadable PDF, it ensures accessibility for diverse learning preferences and logistical needs, making the journey of “Practicing the Way” readily available to all.
Ultimately, it aims to cultivate a community of practitioners committed to living a life fully devoted to Jesus.
Accessing the Companion Guide (Print & PDF)
Obtaining the Practicing the Way Companion Guide is straightforward, offering options to suit individual preferences and needs. A physical, printed copy can be ordered directly through the official course website, ensuring high-quality materials for a tangible learning experience.
For those preferring digital access, a free PDF version is readily available. This convenient option requires simply signing up on the practicingtheway.org website, granting immediate access to the complete Guide.
This digital format allows for easy portability and accessibility across various devices, making it ideal for on-the-go study and group discussions.
The website provides clear instructions for both ordering the print version and downloading the PDF, streamlining the process for all users.
Whether you prefer the tactile feel of a physical book or the convenience of a digital document, the Companion Guide is easily accessible, empowering you to embark on the “Practicing the Way” journey.
Navigating the Companion Guide Structure
The Practicing the Way Companion Guide is thoughtfully structured to facilitate a progressive and enriching learning experience. Organized around eight distinct sessions, each chapter corresponds to a specific theme within the course, building upon previous insights.
Each session typically includes key teachings, reflective questions, and practical exercises designed to encourage personal application. The Guide also features dedicated space for journaling and note-taking, fostering deeper engagement with the material.
Page numbers are referenced throughout the course materials, allowing for easy cross-referencing and focused discussion.
The Companion Guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the course videos and table group discussions, creating a holistic learning environment.
Its clear layout and logical flow ensure that participants can easily navigate the content and maximize their understanding of the core principles of “Practicing the Way.”
Key Sessions & Themes
Practicing the Way’s eight sessions cover vital themes: being over doing, repentance, confession, abstinence, engagement, prayer, confession, and spiritual direction for growth.
Session 1: Stop Doing, Start Being
Session 1 of Practicing the Way fundamentally challenges the modern tendency towards relentless activity, urging participants to shift focus from “doing” to “being” with Jesus.
This initial session emphasizes the importance of slowing down, cultivating inner stillness, and prioritizing presence over productivity. It’s a call to move beyond performance-based spirituality and embrace a more contemplative rhythm of life.
The Companion Guide prompts reflection on personal rhythms and identifies areas where individuals are driven by external pressures rather than inner peace. Participants are encouraged to explore practices like prayer, silence, and solitude as pathways to deeper connection with God.
Ultimately, this session lays the groundwork for the entire course, establishing the foundational principle that genuine spiritual transformation begins with a deliberate choice to prioritize being over doing, mirroring the life of Jesus.
It’s about finding rest in Christ and allowing His character to shape our lives, rather than constantly striving to earn His favor.
Session 2: The Way of Repentance
Session 2, “The Way of Repentance,” within the Practicing the Way course, delves into the often-misunderstood practice of turning away from sin and towards God. It moves beyond a superficial acknowledgment of wrongdoing to a profound reorientation of the heart.
The Companion Guide emphasizes that repentance isn’t merely a one-time event, but a lifelong process of ongoing conversion. It challenges participants to honestly confront their patterns of sin, identify their idols, and actively choose a different path.
This session explores the biblical understanding of repentance as a turning – away from what doesn’t satisfy and towards the loving embrace of God. It encourages vulnerability and self-awareness, fostering a culture of honesty within table groups.
Participants are guided to examine their lives, confess their sins, and embrace the transformative power of God’s grace, leading to genuine and lasting change.
Session 3: Confession and Spiritual Accountability
Session 3 of Practicing the Way, focusing on “Confession and Spiritual Accountability,” builds upon the foundation of repentance, emphasizing the vital role of vulnerability and honest relationships in spiritual growth.
The Companion Guide highlights confession not as a shameful act, but as a courageous step towards healing and wholeness, facilitated by a trusted confessor. It stresses the importance of finding someone safe and discerning to share our struggles with.
This session explores the biblical precedent for spiritual accountability, demonstrating how mutual support and encouragement can help us overcome temptation and grow in virtue. It encourages participants to actively seek out and offer accountability to others.
The guide directs individuals to find a confessor, and emphasizes the importance of this practice, as well as the benefits of open and honest communication within a supportive community.
Session 4: The Disciplines of Abstinence
Session 4 of Practicing the Way delves into “The Disciplines of Abstinence,” exploring how intentionally saying “no” to certain things can create space for God and cultivate a more focused spiritual life.
The Companion Guide presents abstinence not as mere restriction, but as a proactive choice to detach from distractions and cultivate inner freedom. It examines various forms of abstinence, including fasting, solitude, and simplicity.
This session challenges participants to identify areas in their lives where they are overindulging or being controlled by external forces, and to experiment with intentionally abstaining from those things.
The guide emphasizes that these disciplines aren’t about self-denial for its own sake, but about creating space for God to work in our lives and to develop a deeper awareness of our needs and desires.
Session 5: The Disciplines of Engagement
Session 5, focusing on “The Disciplines of Engagement,” within the Practicing the Way course, complements abstinence by exploring intentional practices of connection and participation.
The Companion Guide highlights that spiritual growth isn’t solely about what we remove from our lives, but also about what we actively add – practices that draw us closer to God and others.
This session examines disciplines like prayer, service, hospitality, and celebration, emphasizing their role in embodying the love of Christ and participating in God’s work in the world.
Participants are encouraged to identify areas where they can more fully engage with their faith, community, and the needs of those around them, moving beyond passive belief to active discipleship.
Engagement isn’t simply doing more, but intentionally aligning our actions with our values and seeking God’s presence in all aspects of life.
Practical Application & Group Discussion
Practicing the Way thrives on applying teachings to daily life, best explored through table groups, fostering deeper understanding and accountability with peers.
The Companion Guide provides discussion prompts to facilitate meaningful conversations and encourage personal reflection on the course material.
Utilizing Table Groups for Deeper Exploration
Table Groups are a cornerstone of the Practicing the Way experience, designed to move beyond individual study and into communal exploration of the course’s themes.
These smaller groups, typically consisting of six to eight participants, provide a safe and supportive environment for vulnerability, honest sharing, and mutual encouragement.
Each week, Table Groups will dedicate time to discuss the session’s teaching, unpack its implications, and brainstorm practical ways to integrate the principles into their everyday lives.
The Companion Guide offers specific questions and prompts tailored to each session, guiding the conversation and ensuring a focused exploration of the material.
Beyond simply answering questions, the goal is to foster genuine connection, challenge one another’s perspectives, and collectively discern how God is calling them to live differently.
This collaborative approach amplifies learning and strengthens accountability, making the journey of spiritual formation more sustainable and impactful.
Applying the Teachings to Daily Life
The Practicing the Way course isn’t intended as merely an intellectual exercise; it’s a call to transformative living, actively integrating spiritual disciplines into the rhythm of daily life.
The Companion Guide emphasizes moving beyond abstract concepts and into concrete practices, challenging participants to identify specific areas where they can embody the teachings of Jesus.
This might involve incorporating regular prayer, practicing Sabbath rest, cultivating gratitude, or intentionally seeking opportunities for confession and accountability.
Table Groups play a crucial role in this process, providing a space to share struggles, celebrate victories, and receive encouragement as individuals navigate the challenges of implementation.
The course encourages a gradual, sustainable approach, recognizing that lasting change requires consistent effort and a willingness to embrace vulnerability.
Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a life that is increasingly aligned with the way of Jesus, marked by love, humility, and a deep sense of belonging.
Discussion Questions & Prompts
The Practicing the Way Companion Guide actively fosters deeper engagement through thoughtfully crafted discussion questions and prompts designed for Table Groups.
These aren’t simply about recalling information, but about personal reflection and honest sharing, encouraging participants to wrestle with the implications of the teachings.
Sample prompts might include: “Where do you experience the greatest resistance to practicing Sabbath?” or “How can you cultivate a more consistent practice of confession in your life?”
The Guide also encourages exploring practical applications: “What one small step can you take this week to embody the discipline of abstinence?”
These questions aim to move beyond theoretical understanding to tangible action, prompting vulnerability and accountability within the group setting.
The goal is to create a safe space for authentic dialogue, fostering mutual support and encouraging participants to grow in their faith journey.
Resources & Further Study
Practicing the Way offers supplemental resources, including David Kim’s “Made to Belong,” and a wealth of materials available at practicingtheway.org for continued growth.
Explore the website for additional support and a deeper dive into the course’s core principles and practical applications.
Recommended Reading: “Made to Belong” by David Kim
David Kim’s “Made to Belong” serves as a powerful companion to Practicing the Way, enriching the course’s themes of spiritual formation and community. This book delves into the essential human need for belonging and how it’s intrinsically linked to our relationship with God and others.
Kim skillfully explores the biblical foundations of belonging, challenging conventional notions of individualism and highlighting the importance of vulnerability, honesty, and mutual support within Christian communities. It provides a framework for cultivating authentic connections and fostering environments where individuals can truly thrive spiritually.
“Made to Belong” complements the Practicing the Way Companion Guide by offering practical insights and encouragement for building deeper relationships, practicing confession, and embracing spiritual accountability. It’s a valuable resource for anyone seeking to live a more fully integrated and meaningful faith life, rooted in genuine connection and belonging.
Online Resources & Website (practicingtheway.org)
The official website, practicingtheway.org, is a central hub for all things related to the course and Companion Guide. Here, you’ll find a wealth of resources designed to enhance your learning experience and support your spiritual journey.
The site offers a free digital PDF version of the Companion Guide upon signup, providing convenient access to the course materials. You can also explore additional resources, including articles, videos, and downloadable worksheets, to deepen your understanding of the core principles.
Practicingtheway.org serves as a community platform, connecting individuals and groups engaging with the material. It’s a place to share insights, ask questions, and receive encouragement from fellow practitioners. Furthermore, the website provides information about upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities to connect with the Practicing the Way team.
Additional Materials & Support
Beyond the core Practicing the Way Companion Guide and the resources available at practicingtheway.org, several supplementary materials can enrich your experience. David Kim’s book, “Made to Belong,” is frequently recommended as companion reading, offering deeper insights into community and spiritual formation.
For those seeking further exploration, consider joining a local Practicing the Way group or initiating one within your community. These groups provide a supportive environment for discussion, accountability, and shared learning.
The course also encourages finding a confessor and spiritual director – individuals who can offer guidance and support on your spiritual journey. Remember to utilize the table group discussions, actively engaging with the teachings and applying them to daily life. Consistent practice and seeking support are key to sustained growth.
Integrating Faith with Everyday Activities
Practicing the Way emphasizes integrating faith into daily life through consistent prayer and seeking spiritual guidance from a confessor or director.
This holistic approach fosters a deeper connection with God amidst routine activities.
The Role of Prayer in Practicing the Way
Prayer is absolutely central to Practicing the Way, serving not merely as a ritual, but as a foundational practice for cultivating a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
The course encourages a shift from simply asking God for things, to actively listening for His guidance and presence in everyday life.
This involves carving out dedicated time for contemplative prayer, but also learning to practice a continuous awareness of God’s presence throughout the day – a ‘prayerful posture’ as it were.
The Companion Guide doesn’t prescribe a specific method, recognizing that prayer looks different for everyone, but it consistently emphasizes the importance of consistent, intentional engagement with God.
It’s about moving beyond superficial requests and entering into a genuine dialogue, allowing space for vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to be transformed by God’s love and wisdom.
Ultimately, prayer fuels the other disciplines of Practicing the Way, providing the strength and clarity needed to live a life fully devoted to following Jesus.
Finding a Confessor & Spiritual Director
Practicing the Way strongly advocates for the ancient Christian practices of confession and spiritual direction, recognizing the vital role they play in ongoing spiritual formation.
The Companion Guide dedicates a session to confession, emphasizing its power to break down barriers, foster vulnerability, and experience God’s grace and forgiveness.
Finding a confessor – someone trusted to hear your sins and offer spiritual guidance – is presented as a courageous step towards wholeness.
Similarly, a spiritual director provides ongoing support, discernment, and accountability on your spiritual journey.
This isn’t about seeking someone to ‘fix’ you, but rather a companion to walk alongside you, helping you to recognize God’s activity in your life and navigate challenges.
Resources like practicingtheway.org may offer guidance, but ultimately, finding the right fit requires prayerful consideration and a willingness to be open to God’s leading.
Troubleshooting & Common Challenges
Practicing the Way acknowledges obstacles to spiritual practice, offering strategies for maintaining momentum and consistency in a busy world, as detailed in the Companion Guide.
Overcoming Obstacles to Spiritual Practice
Practicing the Way recognizes that consistent spiritual practice often faces hurdles in daily life. The Companion Guide addresses common challenges, acknowledging the difficulty of prioritizing disciplines amidst demanding schedules and competing priorities.
It encourages participants to identify personal obstacles – whether time constraints, emotional resistance, or ingrained habits – and to develop strategies for navigating them. This involves realistic goal-setting, starting small, and building accountability through table groups and confession.
The guide emphasizes self-compassion, recognizing that setbacks are inevitable. It promotes reframing failures not as defeats, but as opportunities for learning and growth. Furthermore, it suggests seeking support from a spiritual director or confessor to address deeper, underlying issues hindering progress.
Ultimately, overcoming obstacles requires intentionality, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt one’s approach to spiritual practice, guided by the principles outlined within the Companion Guide.
Maintaining Momentum & Consistency
The Practicing the Way Companion Guide understands that initial enthusiasm can wane, making sustained spiritual practice challenging. It stresses the importance of integrating disciplines into daily routines, rather than treating them as isolated events.
Regular check-ins with table groups provide ongoing accountability and encouragement, fostering a sense of community and shared commitment. The guide advocates for establishing rhythms – consistent times and places for prayer, confession, and other practices – to build habit.
It also highlights the value of celebrating small victories and acknowledging progress, reinforcing positive behaviors. Recognizing that life inevitably disrupts routines, the Companion Guide encourages flexibility and self-grace, allowing for adjustments without abandoning practice altogether.
Consistency isn’t about perfection, but about a persistent return to the core disciplines, supported by community and a commitment to following Jesus’ way.